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Glacial essence

Glacial Essence: A deep breath of pristine mountain air. The next big trend in men’s fragrances is inspired by snow-capped mountains and icy fresh air.

Icy mountain air is the new trend in men's fragrances
Icy mountain air is the new trend in men’s fragrances

Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains may be the latest source of inspiration for the world’s top perfumers. There’s a new trend in perfumery to fragrances for men that reflect clean, arctic mountain air. It’s the satisfaction of climbing a mountain and surveying the world from a mountain top. There’s a feeling of optimism and a rush of energy from this experience. And master perfumer Alberto Morrilas is leading the way with a “crystalized by ice” technique he has perfected for Roman luxury brand Bvlgari.

“I describe Glacial Essence as a high-contrast fragrance that is an icy, liberating breath of air for every man who wears it,” explains Morillas who spent months perfecting the method. He blends energizing notes of ginger, juniper berry and geranium with crisp woods – then gives them an icy character.

Bvlgari MAN Glacial Essence is a modern woody-fougere fragrance for him with notes of juniper berries, frozen fougere accord, ginger, geranium, sandalwood, musk, iris concentrate and cedar essence. It’s clean, masculine and energizing.

When perfumers classify a fragrance as a fougere, they are referring to fragrances that are made of lavender, oakmoss, and a synthetic form of tonka bean which has a mild vanilla-like scent. It’s this combination of notes that creates a distinctive scent. The word “fougere” means “fern-like” in French and it was first used by perfumer Paul Parquet in 1882 for his fragrance “Fougere Royale”. Fougere fragrances have a slightly sweet top note that dries down to reveal an earthy, slightly green character.

It’s interesting to observe that perfumers have developed accords inspired by fresh air for decades. Calone, a popular synthetic ingredient, was wildly popular in the 1990s as it reflects the salty-fresh effect of sea air. The ingredient appeared in the majority of sport-themed scents and is still used today.

This new trend to clean mountain air notes reflects the new generation’s concern for global warming and climate change. Young men and women are making clean air and water a priority around the world thanks to campaigns, marches and education programs. Perfumers are observing this and developing notes that respect this passion. Expect to see more such ingredients in the coming months and years.

Bvlgari MAN Glacial Essence is available in Canada at holtrenfrew.com

  • Amy Liu
    September 10, 2020 at 8:24 pm

    love this shared

  • Shawn Hawkins
    September 10, 2020 at 6:58 pm

    Hi if this is anything like Wood Essence and Wood Neroli I will love it.

  • Julie Prasad
    August 26, 2020 at 2:17 pm

    They view are amazing. Love me cologne.

    • Nicole guay
      August 27, 2020 at 4:49 am

      I bet I would love this! I can hardly wait to smell this one.