Unique Fresh EDT fragrances for men that don’t cost a fortune

Updated 12th of June 2021

Finding unique fragrances in designer men’s fragrances is a challenge. Ever bought a new EDT, only to find it’s just like all the others in your bathroom cabinet? I certainly have. Here, I present three exceptional EDTs, with a focus on clean and fresh aromatic fragrances that won’t break the bank. These are the hidden gems amongst the rubble.

	Ferrari Light Essence • Launched in 2007 • Inspired from Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue • Fresh, casual, and easy wearing
	Vicky Tiel Ulysse • Launched in 1998 • Stunning bottle design • Floral, Fresh
	Fcuk Friction • Launched in 2012 • Safely worn in any setting • Aquatic style

Ferrari Light Essence

Let’s start with Scuderia Ferrari Light Essence. I’m normally one to avoid car branded fragrances because, well… most are awful. Not this one. Ferrari Light Essence was launched in 2007. And yes, it clearly has taken inspiration from Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue…

The bottle screams fresh with its light blue coloring. And indeed it is fresh, casual, and easy wearing. It starts off with a robust fresh citrus opening, and works towards a woody base, with a strong fruity/floral vibe. The stand out is the freesia – stunning and unforgettable. And while it is fruity, it’s done in a mature way. That is, it’s not a super sweet fruit bomb for teens. The ‘light’ labelling is a bit deceptive. It’s certainly not overpowering, but it won’t go unnoticed. And it’s not light in terms of longevity. Three sprays in the morning and I still smell the freesia lying in bed a night. Maybe I’m more comfortable saying it’s not a heavy manly man’s scent. Quorum lovers keep looking…

Vicky Tiel Ulysse

Next up, let’s consider Vicky Tiel’s Ulysse. Ulysse was released in 1998. But don’t let it’s age put you off – there’s no resemblance to Cool Water! Vicky Tiel, for those that don’t know, is an American born fashion designer. She released only two men’s fragrances – Ulysse, and Achille. If her fashion career wasn’t so successful, we could have hoped for more of her delightful fragrances…

I have to say, bottle design isn’t high on my priority list, but his bottle is just stunning. The ancient Greek styling with the deep green color – perfect. You get the real treat on first spray. And you wanted fresh? What an amazing blast. This feels like spring time wrapped up in a bottle. A complex floral Bloom accompanies the opening, with a green ferny twist. It’s so good that on the first day I wore it I smelled it on my upper chest at every opportunity!

In comparison to Ferrari Light Essence, Ulysse is far more floral, whereas Light Essence is fruity. In terms of complexity, Ulysse is intricate.

Fcuk Friction

Last up, we have Fcuk Friction. Interesting name…

Friction is a real cheap cheapie. But it’s a good cheapie. It was released in 2012.

We saw a fruity choice with Ferrari. We saw a floral choice with Ulysse. Friction is a marine/aquatic fragrance. If you are not familiar with this type of fragrance, according to the experts you need to imagine a sea breeze. Doesn’t really help, does it! What would help is a sniff of Bvlgari Aqva. Bvlgari Aqva is an in-and-out salty aquatic. Don’t have a chemist handy to try it? Don’t worry; Friction isn’t quite your typical aquatic anyway. It’s more a subtle aquatic. On spraying, it’s definitely fresh, and it’s tempting to call it clean. It gently combines lavender, a touch of fruit and musk with the aquatic notes. But Friction also has some warmer aspects - particularly the subtle boozy rum note. If you are unsure about a boozy note, a very similar note is also present in another amazingly cheap but good favorite that also has a questionable brand name – Playboy London. But Playboy London is moving well outside fresh territory…

Fcuk Friction is a completely unobjectionable fresh fragrance that could safely be worn in any setting. The only downside of Fcuk Friction is it doesn't quite have the staying power of Ulysse and Light essence. But for the price - it's a steal.