The best unisex fragrances for men and women

Gender neutral, gender fluid, unisex – call it what you want – androgynous scents are BIG and bold, and seemingly the wave of the future for perfume. Of course, our sexuality plays a huge part in our preferences, and while we’ll always love dousing ourselves in those ultra floral, ultra femme scents (hello spring!), there’s also something to be said about intoxicatingly woody, musky fragrances that are the bold anthesis of a traditional feminine oud, oozing sensuality, passion and power.

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Humans are comprised of masculine and feminine traits, so it’s only natural that gender lines get blurred along the way. Intrigued? Why not flirt with the idea of an alternate identity? Like playing a part, dressing up or using an alter ego. Becoming someone else can be exciting, mysterious and dangerous, even if just for the night.

Men and women? Turns out, our worlds are not so far apart. Ahead are six of the best unisex fragrances that tell a story, and will transport, change, and command your attention, guaranteed.

Fleur de Portofino by Tom Ford

Available at David Jones
Effervescent with crisp notes and heady honey, the scent is as dreamy as an afternoon doze in the shade of a white acacia tree atop the Mediterranean coastline. Both hypnotic and bold, it’s the perfect warm-weather unisex blend, never polarising for either of you, but magnetic for both.

Top notes: Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, tangerine, bitter orange leaf, violet leaf
Middle notes: white acacia flower, white magnolia, orange blossom, Moroccan rose, jasmine
Base notes: acacia honey, cistus absolute, vanilla absolute, tolu balm, civet, ambrette seed

Jo Malone London Blue Agava & Cacao Cologne

Available at Jo Malone and Myer
This scent knows no gender. Fresh lime and zesty grapefruit give vibrancy to this spirited scent, which is inspired by the spice and rhythm of the flamenco. It’s a surprising and unexpected harmony that works – but only if you let go of the spirit within you.

Top notes: exotic birgaradia citrus, lime oil, grapefruit, cardamom, red berry
Middle notes: blue Agava flower, sea salt, orchid, geranium, white lily
Base notes: cocoa, vetiver, cinnamon, musk, vanilla

Valentino Uomo

Available at Myer
Dedicated to those who strive for eternal elegance, Uomo is a contemporary ode to classic Italian style and the relaxed grandeur of modern aristocracy. Its soft, smoky, leathery accords and style reminiscent of a whiskey decanter appeals to both men and women.

Top notes: bergamot, myrtle liquor
Middle notes: crema di gianduia, white leather
Base notes: coffee, cedar wood

Maison Martin Margiela Replica Jazz Club

Available at SEPHORA
Spicy, smooth and confident, Jazz Club immortalises the exhilarating ambiance of a Brooklyn jazz club. The balmy base mixed with tobacco leaves carries you through the maze of liquor-infused scents, deep leather armchairs and warm bodies dancing in sync.

Top notes: pink pepper, lemon, neroli
Middle notes: rum, clary sage, java vetiver oil
Base notes: tobacco leaf, vanilla bean, styrax

Él y Ella by Arquiste

Available at Becker Minty
Like the thrill of a summer fling in the glamorous jet-set days of the 1970s, this pairing captures the exhilaration and exquisite scents of an Acapulco disco. The two fragrances Él (for him) and Ella (for her) tell the story of a pair of strangers who meet on the dance floor and are drawn together by lust and the intoxicating rhythm. Both share the same base notes, making them completely irresistible to each other, blurring the boundaries between man and woman.

Él (for him)
Top notes: laurel leaf, rosemary, cardamom
Middle notes: patchouli, vetiver
Base notes: oakmoss, civet castoreum

Ella (for her)
Top notes: cannonball tree flower, angelia root, carrot seed, turkish rose
Middle notes: patchouli, amergris, honey, jasmine
Base notes: civet, musk

Calvin Klein ck2

Available at Priceline
Fresh, warm and electric, this gender-free fragrance begins with an unmissable combination that announces your presence. But the spicy crispness of these top notes are quickly balanced out by the warmth of wood and incense, which make for an approachable – yet unexpected – summery finish.

Top notes: wasabi, mandarin, violet leaf
Middle notes: wet cobblestones, concrete accords, orris root, rose absolute
Base notes: vetiver, sandalwood, incense

Do you enjoy wearing scents that blur the boundaries?