Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll be reviewing all the solid perfumes that local fragrance label Atlas Men has to offer.
There is no shortage of Singaporean fragrance labels, but Atlas Men strives to differentiate itself by offering solid perfumes at affordable prices. Let’s see if they are any good.
Update: I’m pleased to list a curation of Atlas Men perfumes on my new web-store, The Shiok Shop.
Atlas Men – the Brand
Launched just last year, Atlas Men describes itself as “a premium men’s grooming and personal care brand based in Singapore, specializing in men’s solid fragrances”. In particular, the brand states that it has developed its line of “travel-safe, leak-proof, and shatter-proof” solid perfumes for men to stay fresh on the go, pitching it as “the smaller, better alternative to traditional colognes”.
Atlas Men – Review
The brand was kind enough to send off all of its current offerings for me to review.
Atlas Men – Dive
Let’s start by taking a deep dive (pun intended) into…Dive. Atlas states that Dive is inspired by the iconic Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio, and describes the scent type as “Woody Aquatic”. The top notes comprise Lime, Lemon, Bergamot, Neroli, the heart notes feature Peach, Rosemary, Nutmeg, while the base notes include Patchouli, Oakmoss, Amber.
I actually really like Dive. I definitely can smell the Acqua di Gio inspiration, which is a good thing as it’s one of my favourite perfumes. There’s a distinct freshness with a hint of woodiness, and it does conjure up the scent of the sea well. I mainly apply Dive after a gym session – it’s the perfect refresher. Rating: 9/10.
Atlas Men – Midnight
It seems each of Atlas’ perfumes is inspired by an iconic scent, and Midnight is no exception. The brand states that Midnight is inspired by Creed Aventus, and describes its scent type as “Classic Wood”. The top notes comprise Lime, Lemon, Bergamot, Neroli, the heart notes feature Peach, Rosemary, Nutmeg, while the base notes include Patchouli, Oakmoss, Amber.
Disclaimer: I’m not familiar with the Creed Aventus, so unlike Dive I don’t have a point of reference for Midnight. Nevertheless, I do find it interesting. It has a more distinct woodiness as compared to Dive, but comes across as more subtle overall. I personally prefer stronger scents – especially when it comes to solid perfumes – but those looking for an understated scent can consider giving Midnight a try. Rating: 7/10.
Atlas Men – Cruise
The Cruise is inspired by Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt, with Atlas describing the scent type as “Citrus Aquatics”. It’s also unique as it’s the brand’s only unisex fragrance. The top notes comprise Ambrette Seeds, Driftwood, the heart notes feature Sea Salt, Grapefruit, Plum, while the base notes include Sage, Musk, Buchu Leaves.
I sometimes prefer unisex scents to homme scents, and the Cruise is a good example of why. It comes across as nuanced, opening with a refreshing citrus fragrance, before evolving into a natural mineral scent that reminds me of hiking by the seaside. It also smells like tea, and is a great pick-me-up. Rating: 8/10.
Atlas Men – Earth
Earth takes its inspiration from Hermes Terre d’Hermes – another one of my favourite perfumes – with Atlas describing its scent type as “Classic Woods”. The top notes comprise Orange, Grapefruit, the heart notes feature Pepper, Patchouli, Geranium, while the base notes include Cedar, Flint, Oakmoss.
I absolutely adore Earth – it’s my favourite out of the lot. There’s an intense woodiness to the scent that evokes masculinity and a sense of seductiveness. It makes a strong impression from the get-go, and comes across as sophisticated – more nuanced than Dive. Definitely one for a night out at the bar. Rating: 10/10.
Atlas Men – Absolute
Inspired by Dior Sauvage, Absolute is described as an “Oriental Woods” scent type. The top notes comprise Pepper, Calabrian Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, the heart notes feature Lavender, Amberwood, Sandalwood, while the base notes include Cedar, Tonka Bean, Vanilla.
Absolute differentiates itself from Atlas’ other offerings with its use of spice. There’s a spicy woodiness to Absolute that’s interesting, and it should suit those looking for something a little different. It’s personally not my favourite category of scents, but I can definitely appreciate it. Rating: 8/10.
Atlas Men – Infinity
Last but not least, the Infinity is based upon the iconic Bleu de Chanel, with Atlas describing the scent type as “Citrus Woods”. The top notes comprise Grapefruit, Lemon, Mint, Bergamot, the heart notes feature Ginger, Jasmine, Nutmeg, while the base notes include Sandalwood, Amber, Cedar Wood.
I love the Infinity. It’s both fresh and woody, with a hint of sensuality. I certainly smell hints of Bleu de Chanel in it, and like its inspiration it’s a great day perfume. I found myself using it as an everyday scent due to its versatility. It’s the one I turn to the most out of the six, although it doesn’t have the same wow factor as Earth. Rating: 9/10.
Conclusion – so Atlas Men “shiok” or not?
There’s a lot to like about Atlas Men. I enjoyed most of the scents – the Dive, Earth and Infinity in particular – and the prices are affordable as well. Contrary to popular belief, solid perfumes are actually pretty easy to apply. Simply rub your fingers along the balm, and apply to the heat points on your body (wrists, neck, etc). The caveat is that it only lasts about 3-4 hours at a go (as compared to 10-15 hours for an EDP), but you can simply reapply if necessary. The brand also has a scent-match quiz and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s pretty risk-free to try even if you’ve never used solid perfumes before.
Those interested in purchasing an Atlas Men solid perfume can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” for 10% off all items on the brand’s web-store. After the discount, a solid perfume would cost just S$35, making them an affordable way to get into the world of fragrances. Robust and travel-friendly, I found myself using solid perfumes, especially after a workout – they certainly smell better than conventional deodorants.
Update: A curation of my favourite Atlas Men perfumes can also be purchased on The Shiok Shop.
View the full range of Atlas Men perfumes here.
P.S Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.S.S.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
