There are colognes for men that suit every occasion, from spicy to sweet, summery, and subtle. These fragrances are bound to keep a man smelling sharp wherever he is, making an impressive and lasting impression.
From designer to niche fragrances, these colognes for men make a worthy addition to any fragrance collection. Read 11 Best colognes for men by Sk Lifestyle »
]]>Booze and perfume are both time-honored gifts for Valentine’s Day so why not combine both for a unique gift?
From perfume and body lotions to candles and incense, here’s a round-up of boozy-scented gifts that are sure to please.
]]>By: Jeanette Hurt -
"Booze and perfume are both time-honored gifts for Valentine’s Day so why not combine both for a unique gift?
From perfume and body lotions to candles and incense, here’s a round-up of boozy-scented gifts that are sure to please."
St Johns Fragrance Co. Bay Rum Aftershave/Cologne, $60
You know how this goes: You’re in the cologne section of the store, hoping to find a scent that suits you, but the experience is overwhelming. Used test strips litter the floor, nearby couples argue, a salesperson assures you that this season’s big new trend is smelling like freshly burnt hair. Thick clouds of fragrance roll by like film noir fog, causing emotional support dogs to sneeze uncontrollably. Your nose quickly loses its ability to distinguish between scents. All you wanted to do was to smell nice. What’s a guy to do?
Well, for starters, you could come prepared. This list of the 18 best colognes for men will help you identify what you like specifically—whether it’s spicy, summery, sexy, or subtle—then point you in the right direction to find it. In other words follow our suggestions, then follow your nose. And if you’re looking for suitable Valentine’s Day gifts for your significant other, you’ll definitely find a lot here to love.
“The first step is discovering your signature scent,” says Jim Christian, a fragrance mega-enthusiast who owns more than 50 bottles of cologne (and is currently testing a further 50 samples), all organized by season. “This is your daily go-to fragrance, something that’s equally safe in the office or on a nice dinner date. Versatility is key! Once you have that nailed down, you can start building your collection by shopping for fragrances that are specific for seasons and special occasions.”
“Forget the marketing and ignore the salesperson’s spiel,” advises style expert and digital creator Gabrielle Johnson. “The most important things to consider with a new cologne are how the scent mixes with your body chemistry to create a unique smell, and how long that smell lasts. Get yourself to a sample counter and spritz cologne directly onto your wrist, not one of those paper testers. Let the scent dry down and take note of how it wears on your skin throughout the day. If you love it an hour later, three hours later, and six hours later, you’ve got yourself a winner.”
But just as important as finding the right scent for you is to enjoy the experience of discovery. “Men need to have more fun and experiment with fragrance,” says fashion and lifestyle journalist Max Berlinger. “Scent is so ephemeral, why not play with it? The cool thing about colognes is that they actually mix with your own unique body chemistry, so if you smell something on one person, it may not smell the same on you. But it’s kinda fun to build up a cologne ‘wardrobe’ – something for day to day, something for summer, something for sexy time. It’s nice to have maybe three to five at your disposal.”
“The number one thing men get wrong when it comes to cologne is wearing way too much,” says Johnson. “If I’m five feet away from you and I can immediately pinpoint the scent you sprayed this morning, you overdid it.”
So what’s the best approach? “As a rule, I personally like my scent to be subtle, something you can only smell when you’re within a foot or so, which is usually a mist-and-walk-through situation,” says Berlinger, explaining that he’ll spritz the fragrance a couple times in the air, then walk through it. He does warn, however, that this will fade fairly quickly.
For a more long-lasting (and initially at least, stronger smelling) approach, Christian recommends applying unscented lotion to your skin, post-shower, before you apply.
“Hold the bottle three or four inches away and spritz a small amount on your pulse points (think neck and wrists)”, says Johnson. “Don’t rub it in! The scent will fade faster if you do. And never spray cologne on your clothes, it can actually damage the fabric.”
...
A very different classic scent, Bay Rum–which has been around for more than 70 years–starts as an absolute clove bomb, but somehow manages not to be overpowering. It evolves in the dry down to a deliciously nostalgic mix of bay leaves, musk, cinnamon, and eucalyptus, ending up somewhere between Christmassy and old-school Caribbean explorer. It might be a little too retro for some (especially those whose dads or grandads wore it), but speaking personally, I can’t get enough of it.
...
What a year to be a fragrance lover. There were so many strong releases this year that our list of the best men’s colognes of 2023 could easily have been twice as long—but we’ve whittled it down to the 23 we truly deserve the honorific.
If there are recurring themes among these 23 fragrances, they’re scents of musk and oud. Both notes are alluring, sophisticated, and mysterious; musk is a bit more ethereal while oud strikes us as more earthy and brooding. But there was levity in this year’s fragrances, too, in the form of vanillas, marine notes, and roses alike—often alongside those musky and oud-y notes, too. And according to Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation (TFF), the blending of masculine and feminine notes is a phenomenon that won’t stop anytime soon.
“The majority of fragrances that have moved into the ‘universal’ category are following those brands that insisted on being listed in both women’s and men’s categories in years past,” Levy says. (She and TFF use “universal”, as a stand in for “unisex”, “gender-neutral”, and the like. “The future is certainly universal and non-gender specific, as research has shown that consumers’ preference for fragrances is not linked to gender identity.”
Read on for our picks, some of which are decidedly masculine, while others play between the lines. If you don’t find something you like here—do you need 23 more options?—then consider a few other ways of discovering fragrances in the new year. Levy suggests trying the discovery sets that many brands offer, to help sample a reputable roster. Many fragrance brands will even credit the cost of their sets toward a full-size purchase once you find a favorite. You might also subscribe to TFF’s “Noteworthy” newsletter (scroll down to the bottom of the homepage), as well as its monthly digital magazine, Accords. The organization will even debut an online fragrance course in early 2024.
Without further ado, here are the most noteworthy standouts in a banner year.
St Johns Madras
We can’t say enough good about St Johns’ scent assortment, and 2023’s Madras raises the bar even more. (One colleague gave a much-deserved ode to it.) This is one of the more broody choices on this lineup of new scents, for its black pepper, clove, nutmeg, patchouli, cedar, and amber medley. But a dusting of costas, mandarin, and lemon give it the necessary dimensions for more year-round wear; there aren’t many fragrances with that many heavy notes that wear so beautifully in summer. But that is exactly St Johns’ appeal; everything is “island vibes” with them, down to their iconic fishpot-weave bottles.
]]>No reason to stress this holiday season. Sleigh your gifts this year by shopping OK!'s curated selection of gifts for all of your loved ones!
SOURCE: ST JOHNS FRAGRANCE COMPANY
St Johns Fragrance Company's Dopp Kit Gift Set in the scent Bay Rum retails for $95 at www.stjohnsbayrum.com. Trust us, the man in your life will never smell better!
Let us help you find the perfect gift for that special someone. ‘Tis the season to eat, dance and be merry, but true joy comes from giving and showering friends and family with gifts of gratitude. Whether dad, brother, mom, sister or a very special person in your life, we’ve culled a fun assortment of our top picks so you’ve got it covered.
Last month, Unilever announced it sold a majority stake in Dollar Shave Club to Nexus Capital Management, and Reuters reported Carlyle has put Every Man Jack up for sale. Chronicling movements in men’s grooming, CPG Wire wrote, “It feels like the end of an era for the category…The men’s grooming category does seem like a race to the bottom.” The consumer packaged goods news aggregator concluded that it doesn’t “foresee Carlyle, Unilever, or anyone finding meaningful profits there over a sustained period.”
Against the backdrop of developments in men’s grooming and perennial projections that the men’s category is on a skyward march, for this edition of our ongoing series posing questions relevant to indie beauty, we asked 16 founders and executives at brands in the men’s space the following questions: Do you think there’s a “race to the bottom” happening in men’s grooming? What challenges do you believe face the segment, and how can it overcome them?
]]>Yes, there is a “race to the bottom” in some categories, but those are brands whose products are already value-priced and found in mass distribution. Their corporate and private equity owners are not well suited for slim and shrinking margin businesses.There is another movement at the higher end for products with exclusive formulations, appealing to specific demographics and specialty distribution, and those brands seem to have some growth. The brands in the middle are the brands at most risk in the next year.There are plenty of product choices and options in grooming products for men, maybe too many. The challenges are always how to encourage innovation and introduction of new advanced products and how to bring them to market effectively and efficiently. How do we foster the development of small brands in a high-cost, highly competitive environment? Marketing options are voluminous, but complex and complicated. How do brands—new and established—break through the chatter and clutter digitally?One idea is for brands to overcome the challenges is to collaborate across categories and develop and market products together to combine resources for efficiencies and reach new and broader audiences.
Through the month of October, for every order placed with St. John's Fragrance, we will donate $1 to the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation. This meaningful collaboration is our way of honoring and supporting the brave men and women of the United States Navy and Coast Guard who serve our nation with unwavering dedication.
The Navy Safe Harbor Foundation is a remarkable nonprofit organization that provides vital assistance to Navy and Coast Guard service members and their families during times of illness, injury, and recovery. They offer financial support, housing, transportation, and other crucial resources to help these heroes get back on their feet.
When you choose St. John's Fragrance, you're not only treating yourself to the finest scents but also becoming a part of something bigger—a force for good. Your purchase contributes to a noble cause, ensuring that those who protect our shores receive the care and support they deserve.
Together, we can help create a safe harbor for those who keep us safe —one fragrant order at a time.
Learn more about the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation by visiting www.safeharborfoundation.org.
]]>
Listen to our CEO Rhys Moore talk with John Burton, the publisher of Ivy-Style.com. Rhys talks about his reinvigoration of the brand. It is a lesson in what to say yes and no to, a business course in how to re-energize a brand while staying true to its foundations, and a course in ethics and style.
]]>By ADAM HURLY as featured in The Robb Report
This year has been one for the books in terms of delicious new fragrance launches, and as of this article, we’re not even halfway through 2023. From luxury brands to niche makers, from remixes of old classics to brand-new brands, there’s so much to say about the best new colognes of 2023 so far.
Check out our top 10 launches from January through June, and check back later in the year for the best scents of July through December. Below you’ll find light summer picks, candidates for your new signature scent, and a vibe-setting date-night staple.
We can’t say enough good about St Johns’ scent assortment, and 2023’s Madras raises the bar even more. (One colleague gave a much-deserved ode to it.) This is one of the more broody choices on this lineup of new scents, for its black pepper, clove, nutmeg, patchouli, cedar, and amber medley. But a dusting of costas, mandarin, and lemon give it the necessary dimensions for more year-round wear; there aren’t many fragrances with that many heavy notes that wear so beautifully in summer. But that is exactly St Johns’ appeal; everything is “island vibes” with them, down to their iconic fishpot-weave bottles.
Better late than never. There are a few things on this list that are personal wants and desires. Everything here is chosen with quality and timelessness in mind. Hope this list proves helpful.
I know where I will be this Father’s Day. With the U.S. Open going on in Los Angeles I’m looking forward to watching the best golfers in the world work their way around the incredible North Course at LACC. Hope you all have something good planned.
Original Madras Trading Co. — The perfect summer shirt made from authentic madras. [Pictured]
Junior’s in Philadelphia — a great selection of cotton sweaters, ties and nice accessories. This is one of the few shops I would recommend anything they sell.
Crockett & Jones Travel Care Kit — A great little travel shoe care kit. This leather case is nicely made and this is a handsome little accessory that anyone could appreciate.
J. Mueser Shirts — Everyone talks about the tailored clothing at J. Mueser, but the sportswear is excellent and it makes for an excellent gift.
American Trench Socks — Philadelphia-based American Trench makes some wonderful clothing and US-made socks which everyone should love.
St Johns Vetiver Cologne — I am loving all of these new fragrances from St Johns, especially this Vetiver scent. Why support some massive conglomerate when you can wear something from a small brand like this.
J. PRESS Pink Sweater — These cottons knits are awesome. Just look at how this is photographed and you will know it’s unique. J. Press is still making a lot of really good stuff — don’t overlook the brand for solid classic clothing.
By ERIC TWARDZIK at the Robb Report
Welcome to Robb Recommends, a regular series in which our editors and contributors endorse something they’ve tried and loved—and think will change your life for the better. If you purchase a product or service through a link in this story, we may receive a small commission.
Madras has been a summertime staple for generations. But now there’s a whole new way to wear it against the skin—as a scent.
St Johns Madras is a freshly introduced cologne that draws inspiration from that most global (and preppy) of fabrics. And if any maker was going to try and distill a fabric still closely associated with East Coast preps into a scent, it would have to be St Johns. The brand, which was established in the Virgin Islands by a U.S. Navy officer in 1946, built its name on Bay Rum, that sweet, spicy elixir that shot to fame in the Mad Men era and is still stocked at all the best haberdasheries where your grandfather might have shopped.
Lest you get the wrong impression, I happen to love Bay Rum. My wife disagrees, insisting that the occasional spritz make me smell like an “old man” (something I’m guilty of in temperament if not years).
So, it was a delightful surprise that Madras earned my better half’s approval. I’d credit that to the cologne being lighter and more delicate than those old-school scents I’m so fond of, while retaining a certain masculine spiciness that could have wafted through a Grand Central-bound commuter train circa 1961.
It’s citrusy up top with the cooling balm of basil, and seasoned with a liberal dash of black pepper that settles marvelously on the clove and nutmeg that serves as its heart. And once those initial impressions have triggered the senses, a woodsy base fortified by amber, cedar, and patchouli consolidates its cool yet spicy presence. Best of all, at $60 a pop it’s priced so that I can hit my wrists and neck post-shower without feeling as if dollar signs are escaping its atomizer.
Cool, bold, and casual, St Johns Madras shares several characteristics with the fabric that provided its name. And I, for one, plan on wearing both with regularity this summer.
]]>As featured by Adam Hurley in SPY.
Perfume is French even if it isn’t. Cologne feels Parisien even though it takes its name from a German city where an Italian invented the 2% to 4% oil to alcohol and water mix. Blame the Sun King for the Versailles vibe. Louis XIV loved a floral spritz even more than he loved a failed foreign war. 300 years after his death, his scent lingers, which is why a certain kind of American man views anything coming off an olfactory production line with skepticism.
It feels Old World. It feels decadent – and not in a good way.
It’s probably not a coincidence that Old Spice, the most popular scented product in line in America, has very few European ingredients. It’s a trade wind rushing up from the Caribbean, carrying nutmeg, star anise, aldehydes, and lemon. It smells American, but only in the sense that it’s familiar. It does not smell of America itself, the land or the crops. No terroir.
As it happens, few common scents are sourced within the borders of the United States. Cologne does not feel as American as deodorant, for example, because it isn’t. But that’s starting to change as a generation of scent crafters experiments with new ingredients and new ways of positioning themselves in a $8.1 billion market driven by impulse and emotion. What does it mean to smell American? Perfumers are starting to not only ask the question, but provide the sort of answers worth purchasing.
Oakland-based Juniper Ridge, which uses exclusively plants native to the American West, provides the simplest answer in the form of locally sourced ingredients. But many perfumers are dubious about an approach that limits the brand’s ability to be as precise when painting an olfactory picture. For most perfumers, it’s not just about sourcing ingredients. It’s about evocation.
“Would you ask an American painter to only paint using American Pigments?” asks Nick Arauz, CEO of Caswell-Massey, a US-founded and based luxury fine fragrance brand. “Would you ask an American musician to only play instruments made in America?”
Of course not. That sounds off.
“It’s an ’emotional’ request, a desire to smell something that evokes or represents something that feels familiar,” says NYC-based perfumer Carlos Huber, founder of Arquiste Parfumeur. Arauz reframes the question. “When you recognize perfumery as fine art and the perfumer as an artist, it becomes clear that you don’t need to use 100% American raw materials to make a great American Perfume.”
It’s about evocation. The forested west. The vast northern plains. The coastal wetlands. Americanness can be derived from chemistry and juxtaposition. The best rose comes from France, Turkey, or Bulgaria; primo vetiver is Haitian and Indian; ylang-ylang has to be sourced from Asia and Australia. But together they can become deeply American.
That idea has always been at the heart of the Caswell-Massey business, which was founded in 1752. Some ingredients are imported, but the ethos is profoundly not. It’s an immigrant-founded American fragrance and personal goods company with a hero scent, “Number Six,” that has been worn by everyone from “Buffalo Bill” Cody to John Barrymore to John Adams to George Washington. The first president gave it to visiting dignitaries.
“Our first influencer,” Arauz jokes without really joking.
At the time, Number Six was meant to be the American answer to the beloved German scent Farina Eau de Cologne (1709). Number Six had a unique aromatic profile and incorporated ingredients native to New England, plus more wild animalic notes of musk, ambergris, and civet. “The scent was created to capture the spirit of adventure and exploration and hope, which was strong at the founding of the country and remains strong today.”
The scent leans heavily toward what Robert Frost described as “lovely, dark and deep.”
“America has so much diversity in pine, cedar, sagebrush, and fir,” Arauz explains. “These notes are synonymous with many great American fragrances, capturing the outdoors but also having some really nice balance with green and floral notes in the best extractions.”
The forest pricks the sense. The West is different. It’s a gust. It can be harder to capture.
Ask Huber what how to bottle the deserts, the mountains, and the montane and ideas spew out. A Mexican-born naturalized American citizen, Huber is sentimental about his adopted country. He’s also a historian of a kind. In September, Huber and Arquiste will launch a candle, Santa Ynez General, that is supposed to evoke a very specific place at a very specific time. The place: Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos, CA. The time: October, 1886.
“The 5 p.m. stagecoach from Santa Barbara arrives with a clatter of hoofbeats, raising a rich, dusky scent from the baking earth,” Huber narrates. “Passengers arrive weary yet beguiled by the heady bouquet of the Santa Ynez Mountains: sweet artemisia and bitter chapparal sage on the sunny ridges, aromatic fennel and herbal bay laurel in the canyon bottoms. Now resting on the Tavern’s veranda, the passengers watch as the lowering sun burnishes the golden hills spooling out before them, their scent of curing hay and buckwheat carried aloft by the faintest Pacific zephyr.”
All of that in a single whiff.
It’s all in keeping with Huber’s very specific approach to bringing scents back home. He underscores personal nostalgia.
“I try not to stir politics or tribalism or nationalism,” he says. “I focus on the individual experience: What’s your American experience? Because the beauty of the United States is that it’s a union, hence, the sum of many parts: cultures, experiences, scents, and flavors.”
The difficulty is often in isolating those parts and distilling them. New technologies help.
Nature-identical molecules, pioneered by NYC-based company International Flavors & Fragrances, allow perfumers to produce ingredients that could never be produced using conventional methods. Consider an orchid with a beautiful scent that only grows an inch or two per year or an endangered species of plant growing at Yellowstone that is threatened by climate change. Consider the snow leopard. Consider the lobster.
Arauz has embraced the new tech to create Caswell-Massey’s scents, including “Yellowstone.” He thinks of high-quality synthetics as an opportunity for storytelling. And he’s not alone.
Demeter Fragrance Library in Great Neck, NY which sells over 300 one-note wonders including “Tootsie Roll,” “Play-Doh,” “Pizza,” “Cannabis Flower,” and “Baby Powder, uses match molecules to hit otherwise unreachable notes.
“We capture the air around the object in a vacuum, then use gas chromatography to create a chemical fingerprint and recreate that fingerprint with materials acceptable for use on the skin,” Crames explains. Aside from personal wear and gifts, Demeter’s scents are often commonly used to establish ambiance at parties and corporate events, as well as in nursing homes for dementia patients (for nostalgic recollection), or to programs that support the hearing impaired (to embolden other senses).
The personal is rendered in precise terms. Nostalgia is about the details. Tootsie rolls are nothing if not American. Tootsie Rolls do not smell French. Neither does “Yellowstone” or an Old West saloon.
America is hard to distill. Many have tried. What perfumers are finding as they strip Old World accents from their smells, is that the whole can only be understood as a sum of parts and the parts must be bottled separately. The beauty of this is that it creates a multiplicity of choices. Self determination. Nothing more American than that.
St Johns prides itself in its US-sourced raw materials, as well as its “Fishpot-wave” bottles, which are woven in the Virgin Islands. Bay Rum is its most iconic scent, a cinnamon, sandalwood, and spicy clove mélange that pairs as smoothly with skin as real Bay Rum pairs with St Thomas, St Johns, and the likes.
]]>We took a look at some really unique and interesting advertisements we found in the archives recently and can’t help but remark on how entertaining these must have been in their time. Actually, they are still quite entertaining and well crafted.
“Wear St Johns and be on the side of the angels”
A nice nod to Charlie’s Angels with the subtext that our West Indian Lime Cologne will break down a woman’s resistance to you. This ad is pretty straightforward and the visual clearly implies that if you wear St Johns, pretty girls in bikinis will be hanging all over you. This ad was very successful and struck the right chord for young guys in the 70’s.
“This one makes you smell like a man”
Read the copy on this ad carefully and thoroughly. It begins “Hundreds of products make a man smell pretty….”. I love this ad because it begins with a statement about the men’s grooming landscape and then it zeros right in to what defines St Johns: it makes you smell like a man!
These were the days of Steve McQueen, Lee Marvin, Sean Connery and Howard Hughes. Guy’s guys.
Go to the first paragraph of copy and it becomes even more clear who the St Johns guy is and how he feels about men’s fragrances. “Do you know what girls think about men who smell pretty? Exactly what you think about men who smell pretty.”
“Not every man can wear St Johns”
St Johns was conceived as a masculine brand but in the 50’s it wasn’t enough to be just a man, you had to be a certain kind of man. This was the era of the post war rugged individual. Whether he was conquering the corporate world, riding the range or jockeying jets, he could kick ass, take names and do all in less than 4 words. That kind of man was “barely noticeable, highly effective, not wholly civilized”. God love him.
Note: an 8oz bottle costs $3.00!
Unapologetically Masculine
So where is our creative messaging now, in 2023? Most brands are hesitant to stake a claim as that stake is so easily moved and more times than not, driven into the ground in the wrong spot. The St Johns stake is an easy one to find and to center around. We are a guy’s brand and proud of it. Our products are designed to appeal to men and to make them more pleasant and appealing to women. We love, admire and respect women but we are a masculine brand.
And we make no apologies for it.
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St Johns Dopp Kit Gift Set
$90 ($103 Value)
Our Dopp Kit Gift Set consists of all of our best selling essentials. Inside the kit is a 2oz fragrance with a matching soap bar and our brand new aluminum-free deodorant. The best part is, it all comes inside our branded dopp kit bag ($30 value) to make traveling with toiletries easier. If your man is often on the go, this gift set will become his new best friend. Available in all four of our signature scents, the hardest part is deciding which one to choose.
*Note: West Indian Lime will receive Bay Rum deodorant, and 77 will receive Vetiver deodorant
St Johns Soy Candles
$55
Our soy candles are known for the same bold, rich, and spicy aromas that are present in all four of our signature scents—Bay Rum, Vetiver, West Indian Lime, and 77. Each candle vessel is hand wrapped with our signature palm frond weave. Offering 90+ hours of clean burn time, our candles are a fantastic way to amplify your favorite scent. You can recommend he lights it in his office or his man cave, or better yet…you can keep it for yourself.
St Johns Cologne & Soap Gift Set
$75
If the man in your life is already a fan of St Johns, gift him a 4oz + soap gift set this Valentine’s Day. This gift set is available in all four of our signature scents, allowing you to choose your tried and true favorite. Or, if you’re looking for something new, check out the fragrance notes listed under each of our scent descriptions. Who knows—your pick could become his new favorite. Whether you're a fan of something warm and spicy or clean and sophisticated, we’ve got you covered.
St Johns Variety Soap Gift Set
$45
There’s nothing quite like our triple milled bar soaps. Formulated with olive oil and glycerin, these soaps help to keep your skin cleansed, moisturized, and smelling great. Our Caribbean Variety soap set contains bars in West Indian Lime, Vetiver, and 77. This gift set is a great way to get a feel for our other scents prior to investing in a full size fragrance bottle. But don’t worry Bay Rum fans—we’ve got a version for you, too. Check out our Bay Rum soap set here.
]]>"This vetiver scent is lighter and brighter—if you want a delicious, crowd-pleasing scent that doesn't define you, then spritz on St Johns' delicious but unassuming cologne." -Adam Hurly for GQ Magazine
Dignified and dashing, the Vetiver Collection combines grassy, wood, and citrus notes that create a clean yet masculine scent. Our key ingredient, vetiver, is actually a sweet grass found principally in India and the Caribbean. After the grass is freshly cut, we extract the sweet, aromatic oils and combine them with a bit of amber, musk, and cedar to add some weight and depth. We then add top notes of grapefruit, lime, and cardamom to give it a fresh and clean approach.
Top Notes: Lime, Grapefruit, Cardamom
Heart Notes: Lily of the Valley, Magnolia, Rose,
Base Notes: Vetiver, Amber, Musk, Cedar, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cypress
If you're looking to amplify your fragrance throughout the day, we recommend pairing our Vetiver Cologne with our Aluminum Free Vetiver Deodorant.
]]>
For the Guy on the Go
St Johns Dopp Kit Gift Set, $90 ($103 Value)
Forget those random hotel soaps; if your guy is always on the go, get him a gift that makes traveling that much easier. Our Dopp Kit Gift Set contains a 2oz fragrance with a matching soap bar and our brand new aluminum-free deodorant. The best part is, it all comes inside our branded dopp kit bag ($30 value) to make traveling with toiletries easier. Available in all four of our signature scents, the hardest part is deciding which one to choose.
*Note: West Indian Lime will receive Bay Rum deodorant, and 77 will receive Vetiver deodorant
For the Guy Who Sticks to his Scent
St Johns 4oz + Soap Gift Set, $75
If your guy already has a favorite St Johns fragrance, our 4oz + soap gift set is the perfect present this holiday season. This soap and fragrance combo is a fantastic way to amplify your scent while giving your skin the attention it deserves. We’re offering this gift set in all four of our signature scents, allowing you to choose your tried and true favorite. Or, if you’re looking for something new, check out the fragrance notes listed under each of our scent descriptions. Whether you're a fan of something warm and spicy or clean and sophisticated, we’ve got you covered.
For the Guy Looking to Branch Away from Bay Rum
St Johns Variety Soap Gift Set, $45
If your guy is already a fan of St Johns, chances are he’s smelled our signature Bay Rum. The St Johns Variety Soap Gift Set contains soap bars in our three other scents, West Indian Lime, Vetiver, and 77. Our vegan, triple milled bar soap contains olive oil and glycerin to help keep your skin cleansed, moisturized, and smelling great. This gift set is a great way to get a feel for our other scents prior to investing in a full size fragrance bottle.
]]>As the leaves begin to transition, so should your fall fragrance. “Just like the season itself, the best fall cologne has a “best of both worlds” kind of uncertainty: The fragrances are shapeshifters, falling squarely between the crisp, floral, and aquatic notes of summer scents, and the warming, sensual, spicy fragrances of winter."
If you’re still searching for your next signature scent, look no further. Praised by GQ Magazine for its rich notes and reasonable price point, St John's Vetiver is the perfect fall fragrance. Whether you’re complimenting a casual evening or preparing for a night out, Vetiver is the perfect cold weather companion.
“With summer in the rearview, this vetiver-tinged Virgin Islands scent will tide you over until the next out-of-office email goes up with its spicy, woody, ambrous, and musky notes.” -Adam Hurly for GQ Magazine
Dignified and dashing, the Vetiver Collection combines grassy, wood, and citrus notes that create a clean yet masculine scent. Our key ingredient, vetiver, is actually a sweet grass found principally in India and the Caribbean. After the grass is freshly cut, we extract the sweet, aromatic oils and combine them with a bit of amber, musk, and cedar to add some weight and depth. We then add top notes of grapefruit, lime, and cardamom to give it a fresh and clean approach.
Top Notes: Lime, Grapefruit, Cardamom
Heart Notes: Lily of the Valley, Magnolia, Rose,
Base Notes: Vetiver, Amber, Musk, Cedar, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cypress
If you're looking to amplify your fragrance throughout the day, we recommend pairing our Vetiver Cologne with our new Aluminum Free Vetiver Deodorant.
]]>No aluminum (which means no pit stains)
The unfortunate reality is that, well, everybody sweats. Most antiperspirants on the market contain aluminum, which contains harmful chemicals to block your sweat glands. St Johns aluminum - free, paraben - free stick deodorant takes a different approach, targeting odor and kicking it to the curb.
And, in addition to keeping your body toxin free, no aluminum means no pit stains. When the aluminum in your traditional antiperspirant mixes with your sweat and absorbs into your clothes, residue buildup can cause those nasty yellow stains. Our deodorant will keep your clothes in tact, and keep you smelling fresh all day long.
Offered in Vetiver for a cool and breezy freshness or Bay Rum for a warm & spicy island attitude.
Clear, soothing formula (moisturizes and dries fast)
Our natural deodorant glides on and dries quickly, all while hydrating your skin. We included glycerin, a primary ingredient in our best selling soaps to relieve dry areas and improve skin barrier function.
Ingredients you can understand (without a chemistry degree)
Developing a clean formula that you can trust was at the top of our priority list. In addition to containing glycerin, our water based formula includes castor oil to naturally combat odor and help eliminate the darkening of the skin under your arms. We’ve also included tea tree oil, which contains natural antibacterial properties to help get rid of bacteria and improve how you smell.
Natural compounds (allows your body to purge toxins)
As you switch from your traditional antiperspirant to our natural deodorant, you might notice some changes. Your body will slowly start to purge aluminum’s toxins, causing you to start to experience the sweat that you probably aren’t used to. Luckily, our formula contains tapioca starch, which is a PH neutral powder that helps to absorb moisture and fight bacteria. This key ingredient in addition to the unbeatable fragrance will help make that transition as seamless as possible.
Toss out that old stick and shift to a cleaner, safer deodorant with an unbeatable scent. St Johns Deodorant- it’s got our odor free guarantee.
]]>Men’s grooming routines are becoming a standard practice. 5-1 shampoos are becoming rightfully extinct, and men are beginning to understand the importance of skincare. That said, sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming to keep a consistent routine. It’s easy to lose motivation if you don’t know where to begin or don’t have much time for grooming.
Your grooming routine doesn’t have to be half a day long, as there are easy, quick ways to keep yourself looking and feeling sharp. Keep reading for some tips.
Getting compliments on how good you smell can be the boost of confidence that you didn’t know you needed. Smelling good gives the impression that you prioritize taking care of yourself, and it’s an easy step to add to your routine. The hard part is finding a scent you love and want to wear often.
To find your signature scent, try to recall all the smells you like. Maybe your dad wears a cologne you like, or you want a scent that mimics the smell of your deodorant. However, just because you like a specific smell doesn't mean you want to wear it frequently. That’s why you have to take a chance and test fragrances that have a description that seems to fit you.
The good news is that you can find bold and subtle men's cologne options at St Johns.
Taking care of your hair is a crucial part of your grooming routine. Whether you’re bald or have a head full of hair, there are things you can do to maintain your look. A few options include regular trims, moisturizing hair products, a balanced diet, and scalp oils (for bald men).
If you don’t have enough hair to maintain and want to focus on growth instead, research a reliable hair growth product. Consistent use of a hair loss solution like Finasteride can help you grow your hair and see results typically in about 5-6 months.
Similar to the hair on your head, play around with your facial hair too! Facial hair, or lack thereof, can make you look completely different. Have you ever seen those photos of male celebrities without their beards? While some of the men are still recognizable, some of them look entirely different. If you’re interested in a new look, this can be an easy way to achieve it.
You don’t have to go to extremes on the beard spectrum. You can find a look between a full beard and no beard. There are a lot of styles available, so it’s just a matter of finding which look suits your face shape. Whether you’re shaving your beard off or growing it out, remember to keep up with the maintenance. So don’t forget essential products like beard oils, aftershave, shaving cream, and a quality facial trimmer.
Feeling good about yourself means keeping your self-esteem and confidence in good standing. One of the first things people will see is your teeth. Whether you’re smiling, talking, or eating, you want to feel confident when you open your mouth. The first thing to do is make sure you’re brushing your teeth long enough. It’s easy to rush this process but brush for at least two minutes twice a day. Don't forget to brush your tongue as well since it holds a lot of bacteria and can contribute to bad breath.
If you struggle with yellow teeth, look into your diet. Certain foods and drinks can affect the color of your teeth—coffee is a prime example. Whitening strips are also a good option. They are a better alternative to “whitening toothpaste,” as recent information points toward those kinds of toothpaste being bad for your teeth.
As men’s grooming routines become more normalized, take the time to update your regimen. You won’t regret it!
]]>BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMANJUL 11, 2022
Although few of us admit it, we all need a bit of a refresh every so often, be it a simple touch-up or a major reinvention. St Johns Bay Rum, a heritage fragrance brand founded in 1947 by U.S. naval officer Captain John Webb in St Thomas Virgin Islands, has always been famous for its classic bay rum scent (“Smell like you’re on vacation!”) and its iconic hand-woven palm frond bottles. A company with truly differentiated product and a genuine 75-year heritage would seem to have few problems but soon after St Johns Bay Rum was sold in 2016 to the Welles brothers, who immediately invested back into the business, their small-batch factory and offices in St Thomas were wiped out by two hurricanes in five days.
And then came Covid! St Johns Bay Rum CEO Rhys Moore admits to a few tough years but is excited about the company’s recent upgrades, powerful new packaging, and strengthened retailer partnerships. “We thought it was time to freshen up our shelf appeal, so we hired an agency to upgrade and rebrand. At first, our retail clients eschewed the idea of boxes since they liked showing off the hand-woven palm frond bottles. But our new packaging adds an upscale element and allows us to tell our story and discuss each individual fragrance on the back of the box.”
Other facets of the upgrade: new labels and textured paper wraps, all recyclable, as are the iconic palm fronds, hand-woven by local craftspeople. “We’re also moving from plastic caps to wooden caps, which should be complete by September,” says Moore, adding that although using wood triples the price of the caps, the company is absorbing most cost increases. “Freight has tripled, glass is three times what it was; we know we’re not going back to 2020 costs but our retailers have been surprisingly understanding. Some even told us they already raised their retails because they didn’t think our suggested retails were high enough!” Editor’s note: new prices give retailers a 56+ percent gross margin on the 4-ounce size ($60 retail) and 60 percent ($80 retail) on the 8-ounce bottle.
Also important to the DNA of the brand is its long-time commitment to the Caribbean islands and a new focus on directing business to its retail partners. In addition to their clean distribution (independent specialty stores, interesting apothecaries, and certain cool boutiques) and tight controls on pricing, their website continues to list and add new retail partners, most recently M.S.McClellan in Knoxville, The Squire Shop in Fort Worth, Nic’s Toggery in Tallahassee, and Black Tie in Oklahoma City. For the record, best-selling fragrances are still Classic Bay Rum and West Indian Lime but the more modern scents (No. 77 and Vetiver, more sophisticated but still island-y) are catching up fast.
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It’s Nice to Look At
Say hello to your newest centerpiece or coffee table addition. Each candle vessel is hand wrapped with palm fronds by artisans in the Islands, giving you a drop of the Caribbean encased in wax. Every candle also features a branded extinguishing lid; a stylish yet safe way to put out your flame.
It’s Environmentally Friendly
Our candles are better for you, and the environment. Each candle is made from 100% pure soy wax that is hand poured, giving you a non-toxic, clean burn. Soy wax is natural, renewable, and vegan, and is even easier to clean because it is biodegradable. Our wicks are also made from lead-free cotton.
It’s Got a Longer Burn Time
Is there anything worse than purchasing a new candle and burning through it too quickly? Our soy candles offer 90+ hours of clean burn time, allowing you to light it as often as you please.
It Looks Good in Your Bathroom—Next to the Rest of Your St Johns Products
Our candles are the perfect addition to your assortment of St Johns products. Shop today—and while you’re here, check out the rest of our great products to help you spruce up your grooming routine.
Here are your choices.
Let us begin.
When we did the WOCBD reviews (and we are not done yet, Duck Head and Eagle coming), I included packaging, and some people said they did care what the shirt came in. I bought that, but then it dawned on me. You obviously care what package YOU come in. If not, let’s just go to the mall and grab some clothes.
Ok, let’s never go to the mall. For anything. But you take my point.
I’ve seen St John Bay Rum around. So have you, if you shop retail. The bottles were cool, they were wrapped in that grass (they still are wrapped in the grass and damn but there is a story there too). I spent more time than you do investigating the scents, and I spent more time than you with the CEO. And there was always this tiny disconnect. These products are complicated. Layered. (There you go). They deserved a better introduction than the same view they get in my medicine cabinet. Something that tells you that a ton of care went into this brand, into maintaining it and expanding it (ever so selectively). We are attracted to that care around here. And I wanted that message told on the retail level, and also when the product was delivered from buying it online from the website.
Mission accomplished.
Boxes. A retail presentation befitting the product.
Just the addition of a box makes a statement, right? But here is what I am really into. Look at the back.
The labels have raised lettering. And the caps are converting to wood, here is one:
Moving to green (a little jammed up on caps with the supply chain). But now the product is dressed for the date it is going on. And that has to matter to you, because you care if YOU are dressed for the date you are going on.
The second theme is based on my interviews with the CEO. If you go to the website here you get a real sense of the meticulous nature of St Johns, and you can buy right on the site. Or at some retailers (J. Press is one, or how about The Gentlemans Corner in Pinehurst, David Wood in Portsmouth, Travers Mahan in Tulsa, or Kinkaides in Ridgeland, MS ). This commercial restraint is indicative of the lengths that Moore has gone to, in addition to leading with the lead story, to preserve the cachet of the brand. AND YET. You open one of his eco-friendly grass-covered-wood-capped bottles, or a soap, or a for-chrissakes-candle and you get… today. This line has dated values that stand up, but contemporary application. Where do you ever see that? With Ivy, we always walk that line, right? Moore has drawn it for us.
The third theme, well, to get there I gotta tell you this story. I email Rhys, ’cause I have a few bottles of this stuff in my bathroom (and have for a year now, more on that in a second), and I ask, what’s up with the grass around the bottle. No weaving (see what I did there) of words here, this was his response:
the weave wrap is actually palm fronds from the Tyre Palm trees in the islands.
We have a network of guys who climb and cut the palm fronds, deliver them to the weavers who dry and slice them into strips and then hand weave each bottle.Some guys keep and collect them. You can tell they are handwoven because you will notice variations in the size of the spaces created by the overlapping strands. No adhesive is used in ending the weave; each strand is tucked in and under another strand to complete the process. Find the end of a strand and start to take it apart and you’ll see how it works.thanks,Rhys
Or, as Rhys Moore, the CEO says, “We wanted people to know this is a product developed by a person, not a lab. With real ingredients, not chemicals. The scent comes more out of leaves and a rum bottle than a test tube.”
This grass story is a reflection. The company has mastered the art of staying true to history and… well, making you smell fantastic.
BEFORE I GO ON. I was not an After Shave guy. I am not a Shave guy. Well, the neck, because we are not animals. And definitely not a cologne guy. It seemed like trying too hard. When I took over the site, I met with the advertisers, and Rhys works about 10 minutes from my house. He gave me a bottle. I wasn’t gonna try it, except in the air, so I could write about it. I bring the bottle home, and leave it on the kitchen island. Trish picks it up, smells it. Shows it to Gramercy. Both of them are like, “Hey, what is this? It’s good.” And I started in with St Johns.
Now that I have been experimenting, let me tell you another quick story. I’ve been working out pretty hard for my tour, and because that photo of me with Mr. Boyer scared the beetlejuice out of me. I get up at three every day, and am working by four. I hit the gym around 10. I work out with Dylan some, Elena some, DJ some. I am sweating my now-okay-but-then-way-too-big butt off. These are hours of total honesty. I can do more than you, less than you, that ring around your middle is smaller or bigger. There is nothing not joked about, nothing not covered. If there was even the smallest idea that what I was wearing was anything other than welcome, I would have heard about it at the same time that Dylan put a puke bucket next to me or Elena told me “there is nothing you can’t do for three minutes.” These fragrances have withstood a tougher social test than any lab can produce, and I am telling you, no worries.
So some reviews. Click on each image to get a more detailed description, and to buy them online.
JB
]]>No-Shave November is in full swing, and it’s likely you’ve seen many participants donning beards and mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health.
]]>No-Shave November is in full swing, and it’s likely you’ve seen many participants donning beards and mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health.
In fact, you might be one of them!A longstanding tradition, No-Shave November (and its counterpart, Movember), have raised awareness and millions of dollars for initiatives around men’s health, particularly, the fight against prostate and testicular cancer.
Throughout the month, participants will forgo shaving and grooming as a means of generating conversation. The goal of the campaign is to, “Grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free. Donate the money you typically spend on shaving and grooming to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle.” (no-shave.org)
Kudos if you’ve decided to get hairy for a good cause! While your facial hair continues to grow, it’s even more important to maintain good grooming habits. Here are some of our tried and true tips:
Especially as the temperatures drop, it’s important to moisturize your skin - both on your face and all over your body.
It all starts in the shower with a rich, highly moisturizing soap such as our personal favorite, St Johns Bay Rum Soap & Shaving Soap Bar. Like the other soaps in our extensive collection, it’s made with ingredients such as olive oil and glycerin that won’t strip away your skin’s natural oils while cleansing.
Additionally, a good moisturizer will help retain the suppleness of your skin, as well replenish the moisture you lose throughout the day, be it from showering or from cold air.
Moisture is vital to skin health, has many anti-aging benefits, and once you start shaving again, actually makes way for a smoother, better shave.
First impressions matter, and let’s be honest, when you look good, you feel better. Whether for work or play, the right clothes can make all the difference. In fact, studies have shown that dressing well for work can make you more productive.
If you can’t splurge on some new pieces for the winter season, make sure your clothes fit you well. Tailoring some of your clothing to ensure that everything fits nicely can make a world of difference.
One of the biggest keys to dressing well is being appropriate for the occasion, so be prepared in knowing your audience and the type of event you’ll be attending.
While COVID-induced remote work and school may have resulted in more relaxed fashion and grooming habits, during No-Shave November, and let’s be honest, on a regular/daily basis, we should never lose sight of the fundamentals of grooming:
Studies show that smelling badly is the #1 contributor to making a bad first impression, which means that your fragrance is crucial in how others perceive and remember you.
If it’s not already, fragrance should be an essential part of your grooming routine. Be proactive in ensuring that you always smell great and find a cologne that is as classic and memorable as you.
A good cologne should be subtle (2-4 squirts is perfect) and applied to clean, dry skin after a shower.
If you’re looking for masculine, fresh, bold and authentic scents, look no further than the colognes and aftershaves from St Johns.
No matter how unruly your No-Shave November facial hair may look, with these tips, it’s easy to maintain a well-groomed look.
And just think, with the holidays around the corner, now is a good time to add some amazing new shaving products (think St Johns Aftershave) to your wishlist!
]]>Vetiver is a type of sweet grass from the Poaceae family of plants, which also includes lemongrass and citronella, all widely used for their essential oils.
Also called khus oil, vetiver essential oil is extracted from the vetiver plant, which is a clumpy, green grass that can grow five feet high or more. The plant features tall stems and thin, rigid leaves. Though native to India, vetiver is also grown extensively in the Caribbean Islands. Unlike other grasses, the root system of vetiver grows downward, making it helpful to prevent erosion and providing soil stabilization.
The good stuff - vetiver oil - is not found in the grass itself, but rather the plant’s long web-like roots.
Vetiver essential oil was an ingredient of ancient Indian perfumes and was referred to as "the oil of tranquility".
In addition to environmental advantages, vetiver is extremely versatile, used for agriculture, medicinal, and decorative purposes.
While it’s rich, complex, and sophisticated aroma is often used in fragrances, vetiver is calming, grounding, and presents a slew of medicinal properties and other health benefits.
According to Webmd, vetiver can be helpful for the following:
Vetiver oil also has several advantageous properties that make it great for aromatherapy, a holistic practice that involves the inhalation or a topical application of essential oils for therapeutic benefits. It can be inhaled for nervousness, insomnia, and joint and muscle pain. Researchers have also found that vetiver oil improved alertness, brain function, and mental fatigue. When used in a diffuser, vetiver oil can also improve breathing patterns during sleep.
Due to its calming, grounding, and soothing aroma, vetiver oil can be used in massage therapy and can also be rubbed on feet before bed to aid in a restful night’s sleep.
Additionally, it’s been found that vetiver root has antioxidant properties, which means that it aids in helping the body fight “free radicals” - toxins that disrupt your body’s processes and contribute to the signs of aging. As a result, using products that contain vetiver oil may give you an antioxidant boost.
As if these benefits weren’t enough, vetiver can also be used as a natural repellent for insects and ticks!
While vetiver has an abundance of health and healing benefits, its distinctive sharp, earthy, and robust scent is used in many colognes and perfumes. Though vetiver had been considered a more masculine scent, it’s now estimated to be found in about 40% of women’s fragrances too.
Vetiver oil is a base note with a dry, earthy, woody, leathery, and smoky aroma - think uncut grass on a beautiful warm day.
It sometimes goes by the nickname, “fragrance of the soil,” appropriate for the complex, grounding scent distilled from the roots.
We at St Johns, are so proud of our incredible line of vetiver products. From our Classic Vetiver Cologne, which artfully combines a blend of citrus and spicy cardamom with notes of cypress musk, amber, cedar and sandalwood, to our Vetiver Travel Kit, we have an array of options perfect for all your grooming needs.
Like the other St Johns fragrances that have come before, vetiver is sure to become a classic and your next dopp kit essential. Dignified, bold, and dashing like the gentleman who wears it, vetiver continues the long-standing St Johns tradition of creating uniquely fresh grooming and toiletry products.
With St Johns Vetiver fragrance, bath, and body products they generate a personal calmness , ground your spirit, boost your antioxidant power, and smell great...how’s that for versatility?
]]>Even if you’ve been shaving for decades, now is the time to hone your routine, especially with one that has your skin’s best interests in mind. Thankfully, there are so many techniques and products on the market to help you prepare your skin, shave effectively, and take care of your skin at the end of the process.
Shaving can actually be a therapeutic experience and is one of the few inexpensive grooming practices a man can treat himself to on a regular basis.
We’ve compiled a few tips and tricks so that your shaving routine is enjoyable, effective, and reflects the true gentleman that you are.
We realize that mornings may sometimes feel harried, but it’s important to not rush through the shaving process. To avoid irritation and still get a close, clean, and smooth shave, it’s necessary to prep your skin for the razor.
The easiest way to get your skin ready is to take a shower. The steam will open your pores and soften your facial hair for the blade, which means less nicks, bumps, and irritation. It’s likely you’ve seen barbers follow this practice by applying hot towels before shaving their customers.
While in the shower, wash your face with a cleanser that will remove dirt, oil, and other pollutants.
Keep your skin hot and moist, so shaving just after you get out of the shower is ideal.
Your skin is steamed, cleaned, and ready to be shaved. Now be sure that you’re equipped with the proper tools to achieve a great shave:
Especially if you have sensitive skin or thick facial hair, it’s important to shave in the downward direction (aka the direction that you can run your hand over the hair smoothly rather than feeling the friction of resistance), as it protects your face from razor burn, bumps, or ingrown hair.
While shaving against the grain may get you a closer shave, going against the grain will prove more problematic later on.
Shaving is extremely hard on your face, as you’re not only removing hair, but peeling off skin with each stroke of the razor. That said, a post-shave routine is just as important as prepping your skin and the shaving process itself.
Once you’re done shaving, rinse your face with cold water, which will help close the pores and capillaries on your face. Cold water is actually better at retaining moisture in the skin, so don’t forgo this step!
Pat your skin dry with a soft towel to avoid irritation.
As the final step to your shaving routine, protect your skin by using a high quality aftershave, which countless of benefits such as:
We suggest the bold, spicy, rich, and masculine scent of our original Bay Rum Aftershave. Not only has it been a storied classic for 70+ years, but it contains eucalyptus oil, which has soothing properties to aid in blood vessel dilation and increased blood flow.
How’s that for a post-shave routine?
Gentleman, shaving doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right perspective and approach, you’ll come to find that your regular shave can be therapeutic and luxurious.
Remember that while the shaving process is natural and necessary, it leaves the skin vulnerable, which makes it extremely important to take your time, be prepared, and last but not least, incorporate aftershave.
Here’s to smooth shaves and smelling like a gentleman in the days to come!
]]>27 seconds.
According to experts, that’s how long you have to make a good first impression.
Whether it’s a first date, interview, or business meeting, research shows that nearly 70% of Americans form a first impression about someone before any conversation happens.
The famous saying, “You don't get a second chance to make a first impression,” could not be more true. Every new interaction often sets the tone for the relationship that follows, and it’s very difficult to go back from that first initial encounter.
Seeing that time is of the essence when you first meet someone, here’s how you can effortlessly make your mark.
It’s possible to impress or turn someone off before you even show up. If you have an appointment scheduled, running late will be an immediate turnoff.
Traffic and other hold ups can and do happen, so give yourself enough time. Being punctual (and even a few minutes early!) will set the stage toward creating a great first impression.
Human connections start when you look one another in the eyes, and the best leaders know how to engage and make eye contact with those they are speaking to.
Eyes are expressive. If you avoid or don't make good eye contact, you may come off as uncomfortable or disingenuous.
There is, however, a difference between appropriate eye contact and staring, which is typically unadvisable. To maintain good eye contact, you should look at someone for 50% of the time while speaking and 70% of the time while listening.
Research show that smelling badly is the #1 contributor to making a bad first impression.
As a result, your fragrance plays a big part in how others perceive and remember you.
Smelling great not only leaves a lasting first impression, but if handled correctly may nicely linger once you’ve left the room.
Thankfully, there are so many ways you can use fragrance to be memorable. We recommend using and applying a bay rum aftershave.
A few quick tips for application:
Want to make an excellent impression with your scent?
At St Johns, we are partial to our fragrances. From cologne and aftershave to soap, our masculine, fresh, and authentic scents have helped men make their mark for over 70 years!
Perhaps the biggest key to great style is dressing for the occasion.
A three-piece business suit may not be the right fit if you’re interviewing at a creative start-up, whereas it’s likely appropriate for meeting a partner at a law firm.
Knowing your audience will help you set the tone for knowing how to dress, and therefore making a good first impression.
A warm, genuine, and confident smile is important when meeting someone for the first time. It automatically makes both you and the person you’re meeting more comfortable. Smiling creates a more friendly dynamic and puts people at ease.
Louis Armstrong couldn’t be more right when he sang, “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.”
Attitude is everything, and yours will be apparent right away. Even if you’re nervous, your ability to project an upbeat and approachable demeanor will make and leave a great first impression.
Avoid being overly critical or complaining. Well-received people are those who keep things positive, upbeat, and express gratitude.
Put simply, be yourself.
There’s nothing more impressive than someone who shows up confidently and authentically. Nobody likes a phony, so find ways to express how and why you’re unique.
Good manners never go out of style.
Whether you’re meeting someone for the first or 50th time, respect, courtesy, and politeness will always be appreciated. Be attentive and either put away or turn off your phone so that you can be fully present.
There’s nothing more memorable than someone who is engaged and interested in those they are speaking to.
As you know, your window of time to make a great first impression is extremely short.
Take our advice, spray on some St Johns , be punctual, and go be your authentic self!
]]>We’re not quite sure how the comparison started.
Yes, Bay Rum and Old Spice are two longtime popular scents for men. It’s highly likely that at some point, you found a bottle of one or the other or possibly both in your dad or grandfather’s medicine cabinet. Both Bay Rum and Old Spice have a distinctive bouquet and a long history, but they are NOT the same.
While we are naturally partial to the Bay Rum fragrance, if you’re looking to swap one scent out for the other, please don’t expect the same outcome or fragrance.
Here are a few reasons why Bay Rum and Old Spice are different.
Put simply, they just don’t smell the same.
For those with a discerning nose, the formulation of Old Spice is very different from Bay Rum.
For starters, the two main notes in typical Bay Rum fragrances - bay leaf (very noticeable and upfront), followed by the warm and sweet fragrance created and connected by the spices.
Specific to our St Johns Bay Rum scent, we take our formulation even more seriously. We actually don’t use rum and rather than Bay Leaf, we use the oil from the Bay Rum leaf (an entirely different plant), which distinguishes us even further from other Bay Rum fragrances AND Old Spice. Other top notes for our formulation include clove, Caribbean spices, and a smidge of cinnamon.
The top notes for Old Spice are nutmeg, star anise, aldehydes, orange and lemon; middle notes are cinnamon, carnation, pimento, geranium, heliotrope and jasmine; base notes are benzoin, vanilla, musk, tonka bean, cedar and ambergris.
The main notes in Bay Rum fragrances do not match with those found in Old Spice. The essence of each formulation is unique and thus different from each other.
Put them side by side, and we think you’ll smell the difference!
The Bay Rum fragrance has a long history, with roots going back to the 1800s, well before the introduction of Old Spice, which launched in America in 1938.
For centuries, natives of the Virgin Islands were extracting bay leaf oil from bay rum trees and using it as a part of their health and beauty routines. A Danish chemist, AH Riise, made a breakthrough discovery when he found that mixing bay leaf oils with the finest Virgin Island rums created an extraordinary fragrance. This encounter would revolutionize the entire fragrance industry!
News about the distinctive and superior qualities of bay leaf oils spread worldwide. In 1903, the Danish Plantation Company purchased 237 acres at Cinnamon Bay to cultivate St John bay trees. Others followed suit, and by the early 1920s, Bay Rum became an important Virgin Island export.
Perfumers noted that when Old Spice was created by Procter & Gamble, it was originally concocted as a perfume for women, who ultimately found it to be too masculine. Old Spice was then remarketed as a men’s cologne, as it bridged the gap between the Bay Rum fragrances and the Powdered Florals, which were both extremely popular at the time.
Each scent is iconic, but if you wanted to score one for longevity, Bay Rum is a true classic.
Although Old Spice boasts a wide variety of male grooming products that include deodorants and antiperspirants, Bay Rum has proven to be even more adaptable.
Widely used as an aftershave, Bay Rum has made a big comeback in the 2000s because more men have switched over to wet shaving. Its versatility is evident in the wide range of products and scents now available. From shaving products to soap and lotions, the possibilities with Bay Rum are endless!
The spicy and masculine nature of the classic Bay Rum fragrance makes it highly sought after because it naturally blends well with so many other tones. From citrus and sandalwood to eucalyptus and musk, the essence of Bay Rum mixes beautifully with so many scents to create a wide array of unique options for today’s modern man.
By now, we hope it’s clear that Old Spice and Bay Room are unique in their own right and can’t be interchanged.
While we’re partial to Bay Rum - especially St Johns Bay Rum - we encourage you to take the test for yourself.
We’re confident that our authentic and timeless Bay Rum fragrance, which has been a part of the grooming routine for generations of men, will leave you feeling and smelling like a classic gentleman… and not like your grandfather's Old Spice!
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