Lauder for Men (1985)
by Estée Lauder

Along with Versace L'Homme, Lauder for Men is probably the only other acceptable men's fragrance that came out of the eighties (that weren't for yuppies anyway). It's a sparkling exhilarating fragrance and is expertly mixed. Get the oakmoss at the bottom -- I think all 80's mens fragrances had it. It's sort of like Knize Forest Light, but I think I like this better. The only shop I know that stocks this is Harrods in London.

One of the great masculine classics: I would place Lauder for Men in the company of the originals of Antaeus, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bois du Portugal, and Tiffany for Men: truly distinguished. After a piercing but short-lived opening citrus note, Lauder for Men quickly progresses to a smooth spice / wood / green accord that can be described as a lot noble and a little dirty. Its top presents all the needed characteristics: full, rich, masculine, smoothly blended, and a more than a bit intriguing with its massed and complex accords. Its movement to the floral middle is smooth, and so is the floral middle itself, which doesn’t smell very floral: it’s a rippleless presentation of the wood / green from the top, floral bouquet from the middle, with the beginnings of the wood, amber, moss and musk of the base. The drydown follows the sophisticated patterns already established: ultra smooth, note filled, massed ‘80s accords, well balanced.

Though not as aggressive and domineering as those I’ve mentioned, at all times there is an authoritative exclusiveness about Lauder for Men that holds strongly through the run of the fragrance. It’s one of the few great classic masculine archetypes, and probably the most versatile of the group.

It doesn't matter when, where, or why, wear this and you will always be the epitome of sophistication. All of the notes rush to the fore in a ravishingly clear and crisp bouquet. A singularly debonaire and timeless fragrance. Together with Metropolis, Lauder's masculine masterpiece.

Super macho scent. Starts off very strongly (I do get a little woozy sniffing the top notes). It settles down pretty nicely to a subdued herbaceous drydown. Outstanding sillage, pretty average longevity but I will give this a thumb up for daring to be different.

Timeless. This could have been set into production in any era and is still viable. Flat out classy and unobtrusive.

Softened green opening going into a floral heart held up by a classic base. This is Lily of the Valley done right in the middle accord. Too much of this note and a scent becomes ambiguous, but not here. This is perfect.

Lauder for men is a standalone scent for formal or casual, winter or summer. I cannot see where this scent would not fit in. This is a gem,albeit a hidden one it seems.

Dirty leather fougere with a tobacco base. If you can't find Dior's Jules, this is more readily available.