Photographer unknown

There is a trend going around in men’s fashion and grooming that I can appreciate: "The Dandy. These are men who groom, wear fancy, imaginative clothes, and generally stand out from the crowd. This is not the  dandy-boy of the 70’s, rather a throwback to a more discreet, antiquated time, but with more quirky clothes. It’s not uncommon these days to see a well-curved moustache or tightly trimmed beard on a man with a cravat and monocle. Penhaligon’s London has released a whole line of grooming products that fit a Dandy to a tee, with an eau de toilette, shaving soap, shaving cream, moustache wax, hair and body wash, and deodorant. Since Penhaligon's got its start in a thriving barbershop, this is a great return to form.

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The eau de toilette, Bayolea, is a true delight. Opening with a fantastic blend of citruses, it is interesting in that you can see behind the citrus and immediately understand that this is way more than a splash. A waft of spice seems to swirl up like wisps of smoke, and it only gets better through its life. What I really enjoy is Penhaligon’s use of wood notes that are more naturalistic than normally used today, and they are smooth as silk. It remains uplifting and fresh despite notes that usually read a little heavier. Although this definitely skews masculine, as it should, I think it could easily be shared with the Lady of the house.

Modern Dandy, photo by Jackie Hardt

Mike Parrott of CPL Aromas created Bayolea, and he has done a great job of returning the fragrant panache to the grooming world. Of course, I am scheming of ways to use the other products myself; the luxury of shaving my legs with warm shaving cream and brush, maybe a bit of eyebrow manipulation with the moustache wax.

Notes: Lemongrass, Mandarin, Tangerine, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Neroli, Lavender, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Musk, Moss, Patchouli, Amber

I received my sample from Penhaligon’s.  50ml EDT $85 /100ml EDT $125

Tama Blough, Managing Editor.

Thanks to Twisted Lily Boutique in Brooklyn we have samples for 3 readers in the US. Let us know what product in this line interests you, or your favorite Penhaligon’s fragrance. Draw closes September 25, 2014

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.