Boy Smells Premieres Cologne de Parfum Collection

When Boy Smells announced their aptly named fragrance collection, “Cologne de Parfum,” I could hear the collective gasp of excitement amongst their dedicated and growing fan base. 

Beloved for their signature candles with eccentric scents like K*sh, Redhead, and Gardener, a collection of fine fragrances that transcend the gender binary felt like a natural progression for the queer-owned brand. Cleverly though, most of the scents smell like interpretations of their candles, which helps the range feel a bit more cohesive.

Since the launch over a month ago, I’ve found people’s reactions to be pretty polarizing. Some are fans of the packaging, but not the fragrances, and vice versa. Personally, I really enjoy the scents themselves, but I think the packaging design (particularly the ginormous black cap) is a bit awkward to look at, and use. However, I do appreciate the fact that the bottle holds a generous 2.2 fluid ounces (65 mL) worth of fragrance, a happy medium between your standard 1.7 or 3.4 fluid ounce bottles.

The Scents
It was, and still is hard to pick just one scent that I like the most. This collection feels more like a fragrance wardrobe, where each scent supports how you’re feeling that day.  Here’s a breakdown of all five:

Rose Load blends a voluptuous rose accord with a jammy, raspberry-like sweetness, and a touch of dry, aged papyrus. It’s opulent but edgy, and a wholly unique approach to rose fragrances. I see this being ideal to add warmth on a cold autumn day, or as a statement-making evening fragrance. If you like the scent of the Slow Burn candle, this is quite similar.

Flor de La Virgen features a menagerie of mellow fig, plush jasmine, and silky skin musks. I can detect a hint of citrus and ivy leaves, but they feel like supporting characters to the aforementioned fig and jasmine notes. This one feels super effortless to wear, and while I’d personally reach for it more during spring and summer, I can see it being appropriate year-round. 

Violet Ends evokes an air of mystery, with robust notes of leather, black pepper, violet, rhubarb, and white birch. The rhubarb and violet lend a buzzy quality upon initial application, but as it wears, the leather and birch become more prominent. It’s a perplexing blend of notes, but somehow it works. Out of all the Boy Smells fragrances, this strikes me as the most unique.

Suede Pony meshes taut, tanned leather with plum, pineapple, and patchouli. To my nose, the plum note reads more like a dried prune - still fleshy and fruity, just not as sweet. This is one of the most gender “neutral” scents in the collection, and features an artful balance of hard and soft notes. This would smell great as an evening scent during summer. 

And last but not least, Tantrum, which merges crisp, aromatic mint with piquant green peppercorn. The result is like an aromatic equivalent of biting into slices of fresh green bell pepper. Bright, zesty bergamot adds a refreshing vibrance while a touch of bitter galbanum gives earthiness and longevity. This is perfect for warm spring or summer days, or when you need a breezy escape from the harshness of winter. 

Whether you prefer the sultry smokiness of Violet Ends or the transparent sweetness of Flor de La Virgen, one thing’s for sure: with this collection, Boy Smells reinforces the Golden Rule of fragrance: to wear the scents that you want, when you want, regardless of your gender identity or gender expression. 

Photos courtesy of BoySmells