What fragrance should I buy my boyfriend?

I had a penny for every time I get asked this question …

But it’s definitely one of the more tricky ones going around, up there with whether or not it’s okay to press the ‘door close’ button on the elevator when you see Bob from Key Accounts coming.

The easiest way to pick a fragrance he’ll love is to listen to his compliments to you. Let me explain. Whatever he likes you wearing, he’ll probably like for himself ­– if he likes you wearing a soft, sweet fragrance, he probably wouldn’t like something woody and strong for himself. So…

If he goes nuts for: a spicy scent like Dior Addict

Swap some brass razoos for: a scent the spicy family, such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada Men or Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme.

Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren

If he goes nuts for: fresh, watery scents like Issey Miyake

Swap some brass razoos for: Giorgio Armani Aqua Di Gio or Bulgari Aqua Marine Pour Homme.

If he goes nuts for: something woody, like Estee Lauder Sensuous or Gucci by Gucci

Swap some brass razoos for: Armani Mania Pour Homme or Christian Dior Fahrenheit.

If he goes nuts for: you wearing nothing at all or hyper-feminine fragrances like Chanel No5

Swap some brass razoos for: manly fragrances like Hugo Boss Hugo, Christian Dior Eau Sauvage Extreme, Versace Man Eau Fraiche.

Spicy