Why Soap is a Fragrance Foundation
Why soap is a fragrance foundation to make your favourite cologne sing.
So, here’s how you can pair our soaps with some top-tier colognes, making sure you’re smelling fresh, sophisticated, and not like you’ve just taken a bath in a bucket of body spray. And why does natural soap matter? Well, if you're shelling out for a posh fragrance, you want your skin to actually carry the scent, not fight it. Let’s dive in.
1. Early Doors (Lemongrass, Clary Sage, and Rosemary)
This one’s got "fresh start" written all over it. The lemongrass gives you a zesty kick, while the clary sage and rosemary keep things grounded with a clean, herby vibe. Ideal for when you're heading out early doors for a busy day or a 7am tee off. What you need is a cologne that’s as fresh and crisp as you feel.
Top Fragrance Picks:
- Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin: It’s a classic that mirrors Early Doors’ herbaceous zest. That bright hit of citrus with a touch of basil and thyme pairs perfectly with the soap’s lemongrass and rosemary, keeping you smelling sharp and ready for action.
- Acqua di Parma Colonia: Fresh, citrusy, and downright classy. The rosemary in Colonia plays well with Early Doors, making you smell like you’ve just stepped out of a Mediterranean spa (even if it’s just your shower in Croydon).
Why Natural Soap Wins: Your skin’s left fresh and prepped, not clogged up with chemicals. Cheap gels? They’ll clash with these delicate colognes, leaving you smelling like a lemon that’s gone off. Not with Early Doors—it lets your fragrance sing, not fight for attention.
2. Day Off (Patchouli and Sandalwood)
Ah, Day Off—the name says it all. Patchouli and sandalwood make this soap rich, woody, and seriously relaxing. It’s perfect for those slow mornings when you’ve got no real plans, but still want to smell like the bloke who’s got it all together. This soap deserves a fragrance that complements those laid-back, earthy vibes.
Top Fragrance Picks:
- Tom Ford Oud Wood: This one’s a heavyweight in the fragrance world, with rich, smoky notes of oud and sandalwood. It’s like Day Off’s rich older brother. They’re a match made in fragrance heaven—both oozing warmth, depth, and the kind of scent that makes people say, “What are you wearing?”
- Le Labo Santal 33: This is the fragrance for the chap who’s casual but wants to be noticed. Sandalwood, leather, and spices—it’s got depth without being too heavy. Paired with Day Off, you’re basically walking around smelling like a luxurious, gentleman’s club. (Minus the cigars.)
Why Natural Soap Wins: Day Off’s essential oils get your skin in prime condition for absorbing these richer scents. Synthetic gels would leave a weird residue, dulling the fragrance. But Day Off? It lays the perfect woody base for these colognes to take centre stage.
3. Scrub Up (Pine Needle and Frankincense)
Feeling rugged and ready for anything? Scrub Up brings the outdoors inside with pine needle and frankincense—a woodsy, earthy soap that’s both clean and mysterious. This is for the guy who likes to smell like he’s a mysterious forest adventurer, but is actually off to the pub. You need a fragrance that’s as bold and bracing as this soap.
Top Fragrance Picks:
- Creed Aventus: The king of sophisticated, masculine colognes. Aventus’ woody, smoky undertones make it a natural partner for Scrub Up’s piney kick. The frankincense in the soap brings out Aventus’ depth, while the pine adds a fresh, outdoorsy layer.
- Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet: A proper British classic with a sharp, fresh pine and citrus profile that’ll have you smelling like you’ve just emerged from the woods—albeit the fancy, aristocratic kind. It’s practically designed to pair with Scrub Up.
Why Natural Soap Wins: High-end fragrances like Aventus and Blenheim Bouquet deserve a clean slate. A synthetic shower gel will leave a nasty chemical film that mutes these colognes. Scrub Up’s essential oils, on the other hand, complement the natural ingredients in these fragrances, boosting their longevity and depth.
Why Starting with Natural Soap is Key to Smelling Like a Legend
Let’s face it, gents: the best cologne in the world isn’t going to do its job if you’re slapping it on top of cheap, synthetic body wash that leaves a film of chemicals behind. With Smelly Men’s natural soaps, you’re not just getting clean; you’re laying the perfect foundation for your skin to soak up an expensive fragrance and let it develop the way it’s meant to.
Essential oils from natural soaps are subtle and sophisticated. They complement your cologne rather than clash with it, creating a multi-layered, long-lasting scent that sticks around for all the right reasons. You wouldn’t pour a vintage whisky into a plastic cup, would you? Same rule applies here: give your fragrance the respect it deserves by prepping your skin with natural, nourishing soap.
Take a look at all our collections and grab yourself the perfect soap and deodorant for your routine. Because smelling good doesn’t just happen—it takes a bit of effort, but trust us, it’s worth it.