Father’s Day is coming so here come the fragrance recommendations. Except I think we all know by now that fragrances are all gender neutral, right? The old days of labelling a fragrance masculine or feminine are long gone. If you’re still doing this you should stop. Now, that said, we all have associations with scents and fragrances, and those memories will often connect a certain perfume or cologne with a certain person. And many of the notes and styles in fragrances traditionally marketed to men can stick with us and have “masculine” connotations.

But here’s the thing. Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez who wrote Perfumes: The Guide have often mentioned that some older feminine perfumes are so intense and full of ingredients that almost are never used in feminines today that they would be perfect on a man. And hey, one of my best male friends wears Chanel No5 and is always told by women that he smells amazing. There is only one rule when it comes to fragrance. If you love it, wear it. That’s it!

There are some yummy new releases that just might be the perfect gift for that special someone.

Bleu de Chanel Parfum is the latest iteration of the hugely successful Bleu line and oh my heavens is it gorgeous! I’ve sprayed a few scent strips with this beauty since it arrived and it has blessed every space it occupied. Bleu de Chanel is one of the best selling men’s scents for the brand, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a terrific scent. But the edt and edp did not move me the way the new Bleu de Chanel parfum has. It is drop dead delicious and I would wear this scent in a heartbeat. Cedar, sandalwood and iso e super (Molecule 01, anyone?) dominate this fragrance, making Bleu de Chanel a soft sexy skin scent for the fragrance lover in your life. Even you! Get it at CHANEL counters, boutiques and online.

It wouldn’t be summer without a lemon fresh scent! And Dolce & Gabbana has happily obliged with their current Light Blue flanker, Light Blue Italian Zest Pour Homme. They have an Italian Zest for women too Its a lemony twist on the original and the perfect summer fragrance. Wear it to the lake, on a boat, with a straw hat, to brunch or frankly anywhere you want. It’s one of those easy-to-wear cologne type scents that will make hugging you a delightful experience. Citrus lovers delight. Get at department store perfume counters across the land, select Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques and Sephora. Light Blue Italian Zest is a limited edition fragrance, so get it while you can!

Ok. The new Givenchy Gentleman Eau de Parfum. This is another fragrance that just sings in an eau de parfum formulation. This fragrance seems to centre around powdery orris, resinous tolu balsam, with soft vanilla and lavender in the background. It’s elegant and sexy and never overpowering. It reminds me of something – perhaps the lavender is giving it a touch of that “barbershop” scent I love so much? Whatever it is, Givenchy Gentleman Eau de Parfum makes me swoon and want more. I think I might try this one myself. Get Gentleman Eau de Parfum at department store counters, Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques and Sephora.

Montblanc Legend Night Eau de Parfum is the latest flanker in the Legend family. My husband has Legend Spirit in the white bottle, which I really like, but Legend Night is something special. Officially the “notes” include things that one would not necessarily associate with darkness or night, but that’s ok. What I smell off the top are lavender and vanilla, so right away it’s delicious. A hint of soft violet, apple and lime with a little spice like clary sage and cardamon, combine with woodsy notes for a balanced fragrance that would be easy to wear any time of year. But I do think it would be a great scent for a night out with it’s subtle and sexy vibe. Some mint and vetiver linger in the background along with a quiet musk. Doesn’t it sound intriguing? Get Montblanc Legend Night at Hudson’s Bay in Canada.