Fragrance, deodorant and moisturiser belong to the part of dressing that nobody sees, yet they shape an impression as surely as a well-cut jacket. They’re used every morning and often chosen out of habit, and they work best when they’re chosen with some knowledge and with one another in mind.

The anatomy of a fragrance A fragrance is composed in three stages. The top notes, often citrus or herbs, are what you smell first, and they fade within the hour. The heart notes carry the scent through the day, while the base notes, typically woods, resins or musk, are what remain by the evening. This is why a scent should be judged on the skin after a few hours rather than from the bottle, and why the same fragrance can read differently on two people. Concentration determines strength and longevity. Eau de toilette is lighter and suits the office and the warmer months. Eau de parfum is denser, lasts longer and comes into its own in the evening and in colder weather. Two or three sprays at the neck and wrists are enough. Resist rubbing the wrists together, as it dulls the top notes before they’ve had a chance to develop.

Deodorant and antiperspirant Deodorant neutralises odour, while antiperspirant also reduces sweat. Many products combine the two, so it’s worth knowing which you actually need. A roll-on gives even coverage but needs a minute to dry, while a stick is quicker and less likely to transfer to fabric. Apply to clean, dry skin after a shower and let it settle before you dress, which is the simplest way to avoid marks on a dark shirt. If you wear fragrance, choose a deodorant with a restrained scent, or none at all, so the two don’t compete. Moisturiser and the shave Men’s skin is generally thicker and oilier than women’s, and a daily shave takes its toll. A good moisturiser replaces what the razor and the weather remove, and it should absorb within a minute without leaving a shine. Dry skin tends to do better with a richer cream, and oily or combination skin with a lighter, mattifying formula. Apply it straight after shaving, when the skin needs it most. The order of things Deodorant and moisturiser come first, and fragrance comes last. Scent holds longer on moisturised skin, and applying it once everything else has settled lets it develop as intended.