Our fragrance expert Bethan Shufflebotham spent four years helping shoppers pick the ultimate scent and this £31 bottle is ideal for Father’s Day gifting
Aftershave has long been a Father’s Day gifting favourite – but picking the perfect scent, and within budget, no less, can be a challenge. Thankfully, I’m a beauty writer, perfume obsessive and former fragrance counter employee, and I’ve hunted down a £31 bottle that’s ideal for gifting this June 21.
Buying fragrance for someone else can feel risky, particularly if you haven’t had the chance to smell it in person. To help take some of the guesswork out of gifting, I tested three bestselling fragrances from US-based men’s grooming company Cremo , whose affordable fragrances could make an ideal Father’s Day gift for dads who appreciate a great scent.
Known for its budget-friendly aftershaves, shower gels and shaving products, Cremo has built a loyal following thanks to fragrances that punch well above their weight. After trying three of its most popular scents, it’s easy to see why.
Out of the trio I tested, Cremo’s Bourbon & Oak Eau De Toilette was the clear standout and the one I’d feel most confident gifting for Father’s Day without hesitation. Described as featuring notes of distiller’s spices, smoked bourbon and oak, it delivers a warm, sophisticated and undeniably masculine scent that feels far more premium than its price tag would suggest.
Costing £30.95, it reminded me of fragrances several times the price, including Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club , which retails for around £125. By comparison, it features Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Vetiver and Tobacco for a similar ‘liquor and leather’ vibe.
Bourbon & Oak Eau De Toilette 100ml
A masculine scent with a tantalising essence of lively distiller’s spices, smoked bourbon and oak in a luxurious cologne.
My dad loves classic, distinguished fragrances and Bourbon & Oak fits that brief perfectly. It has the sort of rich, woody character reminiscent of leather armchairs, antique books and old-fashioned gentleman’s clubs. It smells polished and refined from the first spray, but becomes even more appealing throughout the day as the woody and spicy notes develop on the skin.
The fragrance has amassed plenty of positive reviews online too. Many shoppers have compared it to designer fragrances from brands such as YSL, Mont Blanc and Tom Ford. While it doesn’t have quite the same longevity or projection as luxury fragrances costing well over £100, it delivers impressive quality for the price. At under £31 it’s also affordable enough to reapply throughout the day if needed.
Speaking on the popular fragrance , one shopper 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 acknowledged they wished it had better longevity, 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 Cremo’s Spice & Black Vanilla Eau De Toilette , which offers a softer and slightly sweeter alternative, featuring notes of cardamom, black vanilla, lavender and iris. Personally, I loved this fragrance and could happily wear it myself, but my dad found it a little sweeter than his usual taste.
If the father figure you’re shopping for enjoys fragrances such as Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum , there’s a good chance they’ll appreciate this one too, thanks to the shared vanilla and cardamom notes. Complete with notes of lavender and iris, Jean Paul Gaultier’s offering is currently available at Boots for £112.
The final fragrance I tested was Palo Santo Eau De Toilette , which combines cardamom, dry papyrus and palo santo to create a fresh, earthy and slightly woody scent. At £34.95, it’s a little more expensive than the other two fragrances, but still comfortably affordable compared to many premium aftershaves.
Of the three, this was probably my least favourite. It’s undeniably unique and distinctive, and it grew on me after settling on the skin for an hour, but an aftershave should make an instant impression. That said, it’s clearly a hit with many shoppers.
One said: “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 wrote: “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.”
For anyone still searching for a Father’s Day gift, Cremo’s fragrances offer an affordable alternative to designer aftershaves without compromising on scent.
