‘I’m a perfume expert and found a £25 aftershave that smells designer’

As a beauty journalist, my role involves not only tracking down deals and discounts on popular brands but also unearthing new names worthy of our attention. One such brand I recently stumbled upon is the US-based men’s grooming company Cremo, whose Black Friday sale offers an excellent opportunity to explore their reasonably priced fragrances.

Purchasing an aftershave can be quite daunting as many are apprehensive about ‘blind buying’ a scent they’ve not experienced in person. So, I’ve done the legwork and tested out three of Cremo’s top-selling and now discounted fragrances – and one smells far more luxurious than its affordable price tag.

Cremo is loved for its budget-friendly and fragrant scented aftershaves, shower gels and shaving creams. Its Black Friday sale has seen up to 30% off across the site, plus free delivery.

Although it’s important to note that these offers conclude on December 2, so those hoping to secure some Christmas presents have less than a week to do so, reports the Mirror.

I consider myself to be a bit of a fragrance expert as I own a vast collection of perfumes and worked on a fragrance counter for years. So I know a great scent when I smell one. And Cremo’s Bourbon and Oak eau de toilette is a real standout.

Described as having notes of distiller’s spices, smoked bourbon and oak, this warm, cosy yet undeniably masculine scent could give designer labels a run for their money. Usually priced at £30.95, it’s currently on sale for £24.76 and, to my nose, bears a resemblance – albeit not as strong or smokey – to Maison Margiela’s Replica Jazz Club, which is priced at a hefty £125 and described as smelling like ‘heady cocktails and cigars’.

My father has a penchant for bold scents, and Bourbon and Oak certainly fits the bill – it gives off the vibe akin to a gentleman’s club or an antique library. The aftershave is instantly appealing, with a rich and sophisticated blend of wood and spice that becomes more addictive as the day wears on, maturing like a fine… well, bourbon.

Customers have compared the Cremo scent to pricier brands such as YSL, Mont Blanc and even Tom Ford, and I’d be inclined to agree – especially upon first impressions. However, as reflected in the price differences, Cremo’s scents don’t have the longevity of more expensive products – but given the cost, applying generously and reapplying isn’t quite as detrimentral to wallets as pricier picks.

Another trick to make aftershave last longer is to layer it over shower gel, like Cremo’s Bourbon and Oak offering.

The fragrance has already garnered a devoted following online, with customers saying they constantly receive compliments on the scent. One said: “Bold, unique and layered all-day scent that my wife loves. I loved the body wash so much I thought I’d try out the cologne and I am glad I did. This is now my signature scent.

“Very impressed with this cologne,” said another. “I usually wear YSL and Mont Blanc but which cost five times more but this cologne tops them both. Always getting compliments from people as well.”

A third agreed that they wish it lasted longer, commenting: “Love this cologne, the only downfall is that the scent doesn’t last as long as I would like.”

Meanwhile, a fourth added: “This cologne is insane. It literally smells exactly like one of my favorite colognes of all time (Tom Ford Tuscan Leather) and at such a spanking deal! I’ll be sure to be stocking up on this stuff.”

I also tried out the bestselling Spice and Black Vanilla Eau De Toilette, also £24.76, down from £30.95, which offers a gentler, lighter, yet still warm and autumnal scent. Cardamom provides a spicy kick, but the black vanilla adds sweetness, making it quite different to the Bourbon and Oak number.

Personally, I adored this fragrance, and it’s one that would seamlessly fit into my vanilla-dominant collection, but my father found it overly sweet for his personal preference. I believe those who enjoy fragrances such as Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum would appreciate Cremo’s Spice and Black Vanilla, as they share notes of cardamom and vanilla.

Accompanied by notes of lavender and iris, Jean Paul Gaultier’s bottle is currently on sale at Boots for £88, down from £110 for 125ml.

Speaking about Cremo’s aftershave, one customer remarked: “Amazing value for money and really impressed with the fragrance, I feel I’ll be wearing it a lot with the colder months just around the corner.”

However, another concurred that they lack a bit in longevity, commenting: “Pleasant enough cologne, smell doesn’t last too long on me though.

“I started using Cremo just before Christmas,” said a third. “Slightly different from your brand names, but in all honesty after buying really expensive brand names for years, these are just as good if not better and miles cheaper and in bigger bottles.”

The final scent I sampled was the Palo Santo Eau De Toilette, which is bright, fresh and earthy. Like the vanilla fragrance, cardamom is a prominent feature, with the addition of dry papyrus and Palo Santo, which is where that fresh, woodsy quality comes from.

This particular fragrance was slightly pricier than the others, reduced to £27.96 from £35.95, though I must admit it wasn’t my favourite of the three. It’s undoubtedly unique and distinctive, and I preferred it after an hour of settling on the skin, but I prefer an aftershave to have instant appeal.

However, others have adored it, commenting: “I get so many compliments on this scent. People think it is from a big name department store with a hefty price tag,” and “Really nice and fresh scent. Lasts all day too, so good value for the money.”

A third added: “Not disappointed at all based on the price point. The scent is well designed with a clean, natural aroma. I only wish it lasted longer after being applied. I have received several compliments on this spray.”