from the desk of the groomed man
BEARD OIL SCENTS - HOW TO PICK THE BEST ONE FOR YOU
With the rising popularity of growing a beard over the last decade, beard oils have cemented their position in bathrooms across the globe as a staple beard care product. Beard oils are prized for their ability to soften the hair, eliminate itch, reduce beard dandruff (beardruff), moisturise the skin and promote healthier beard growing conditions, making it a simple and effective all in one product on a daily basis. So how do you choose the right beard oil, and which beard oil scent is right for you?
There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the perfect smelling beard oil, from
- what types of fragrances are used (essential oil vs synthetic fragrance)
- scent strength
- the oil profile (top, middle and base notes) and how natural those ingredients are, including the base oils used.
Essential Oils - Why we love them!
It’s safe to say we’re obsessed with essential oils, and over the last seven years we’ve made it our mission to create unique scents that are well balanced in the most subtle of ways. A common misunderstanding of essential oil blending is that it’s a simple process, which we can assure you it isn’t. Truly understanding the balance of top, middle and base notes is what separates a good scent profile from an exceptional one, which is why it’s important to understand what scent profiles you gravitate towards.
Maybe you enjoy minty, camphor-like notes of soothing Peppermint? The smooth woodsy aroma of Australian Sandalwood? Floral might not be for you, until you smell Geranium Leaf paired with the smokiness of Patchouli. Herbaceous notes of Lemongrass might give you the desired effect of citrus without being too literal. As you can see, the complexities of each essential oil note provide scope to explore various combinations. When the right balance of top, middle and base notes are blended together, the resulting scent is how nature intended it to be. One application of our beard oil scents will result in strangers stopping and smelling you.
Essential oils provide a lot of possibility, but aren’t limitless. This is where synthetic fragrances step in to the beard oil selection process.
Synthetic Fragrances - Are they for you?
Over the years we have stuck to using pure essential oils in our blends, but our relationship and appreciation for the evolution of synthetic and nature identical fragrances has grown. Like any ingredient, they have their place and when used correctly can produce extremely complex and inspired scents that essential oils couldn’t replicate. Natural doesn’t always mean better, but do expect synthetic fragrances to pack a punch in terms of strength.
Give me some base...
When it comes to picking a great smelling beard oil, the base is just as important as it dictates the odour profile and level of interference with the essential oil blend. We chose Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil and Sweet Almond Oil due to their low odour profile, lightweight, fast absorbing and non-greasy profile. Not only are the benefits of these three powerhouse carrier oils ideal for hair and skin, but they also allow the scent to really stand out. Some of the benefits of these three carrier oils are as follows:
A Jojoba Beard Oil base does so many good things for your beard and skin. It’s a natural humectant, which means it prevents infections, locks in moisture and helps fight acne. It’s antibacterial and antimicrobial. And it’s loaded with antioxidants like Vitamin E, to keep hair looking soft and healthy.
An Argan Beard Oil base is made from the kernels of the Moroccan Argan tree, and contains fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid. This is the stuff that nourishes your beard and locks in moisture. It’s great for dry and flaky skin, too.
An Almond Beard Oil base is the ideal carrier oil to shuttle nutrients into the hair and follicle. This lightweight oil is rich in Vitamin E, potassium, proteins and monounsaturated fatty acids which are all ideal properties for beard growth.
Warning: Strangers may stop and smell you!
Keeping the above in mind, which one of our eight Australian made beard oils are right for you? Let’s explore each scent, the profile and why we believe it’s the best beard oil scent for you.
What goes into our famous top seller Morning Wood Beard Oil? It’s no big secret, we’re legally obliged to tell you. Warm Australian Sandalwood beard oil blended with the honey overtones of Cedarwood create the ideal base for the perfect woodsy scent. To avoid being so one note it includes the fresh, herbaceous hints of Pine and the smokiness of Patchouli. Using the finest and purest Australian Sandalwood, this is the wood you want in the morning.
Scent Strength: 4/5
Pair it with Morning Wood Beard Oil and Balm Kit
Let’s not confuse the name with a trip to the dentist. There’s no spearmint in this bad boy. This Peppermint beard oil gives a minty fresh punch, but is toned down with subtle hints of citrus like Bergamot and the earthy musky notes of Patchouli. Peppermint can be polarising for some, but this is sure to change some minds (and lives). A daily go-to for many well groomed beards. It’s times like these you need Man Mint Beard Oil.
Scent Strength: 4.2/5
Pair it with Man Mint Beard Oil and Balm Kit
Take care of your man grove with our Lemongrass beard oil based Mangrove Citrus. We chose lemongrass to give the citrus zing, without the intense hit of lemon. Clear, light and slightly spicy, we introduced Cypress essential oils and rounded things out with our trusty friend Patchouli for a musty base. What are you doing in my swamp? Obviously enjoying the zesty smell of Mangrove Citrus Beard Oil.
Scent Strength: 4.5/5
Pair it with Mangrove Citrus Beard Oil and Balm Kit
Who said men don’t like receiving flowers? Don’t worry, it’s just the leaves of Geranium. The petals were left on some hopeless romantics doorstep. This Orange Geranium Beard Oil is giving you geranium for your cranium with the dry citrus undertones of Geranium Leaf. We were feeling a little perky, so included the tangy notes of Sweet Orange and then brought the mood back down to earth with Patchouli. This one surprises everyone, definitely give it a chance.
Scent Strength: 5/5
Inspired by the forests of North America, this woodsy bottle of Spruce Up Beard Oil is unique in so many ways. The crisp, morning scent of the woods is delivered by Black Spruce while coniferous and fresh notes of Fir Needle stir the forest. Warm notes of Australian Sandalwood bring things up a notch and the scent is rounded out by the muskiness of Patchouli. By far one of our most complex scents which develops in the beard throughout the day. Smells like adventure.
Scent Strength: 4.2/5
Sit yourself down to a smooth, refreshing bottle of Cool Cola Beard Oil. Grab a pen and paper as well, this one is going to be long. Zesty notes of Sweet Orange, Lemon and Lime combine to tingle the beardbuds, and create the top notes of our natural take on a classic fizz. Spicy and radiant notes of Neroli blend nicely with Cinnamon and Nutmeg to give the scent some warmth. Herbaceous hints of Coriander (don’t fight us, we didn’t create the original cola recipe) meet punchy Star Anise to provide a well balanced soda sensation. Healthy beards on the rocks and like creamy soda for grown ups.
Scent Strength - 4.8/5
Paired with Cool Cola Beard Oil and Balm Kit
When life gives you lemons, squeeze them into an amazing smelling Lemon Tart Beard Oil and apply immediately. This sweet treat has the perfect amount of zing with clean, sugary and light notes of lemon. Vanilla CO2 extract makes an appearance for the first time in any of our beard oils, to help caramelise the ingredients while a light pinch of spicy Cinnamon warms everything up. Much easier to rub on your face than the alternative.
Scent Profile: 4.7/5
The Original Beard Oil - Unscented
The beard where it all began. The OG base that inspired an army, of seven. The Original Beard Oil - Unscented This Jojoba beard oil and Argan beard oil base comes completely unscented. A dash of Sweet Almond Oil and Rosemary extract to preserve the oils leaves us with a beard oil which is lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing. For beards that smell like beards, naturally.
Scent Profile: 1/5
Paired with The Original Beard Oil and Balm Kit
Selecting a great beard oil scent takes trial and tribulation, but knowing the chemistry and benefits of a particular beard oil should guide you in the right direction. We hope that the above range of beard oils tickled your fancy, and that it helps your beard smell as good as it looks!