‘I worked on a perfume counter and found the best under £25 aftershave for men’

This aftershave is perfect for dads, brothers, husbands and boyfriends – and is in the Black Friday sale

As a beauty writer, part of my job is hunting down deals and discounts on shoppers’ favourite brands – but the other part is discovering new names worth knowing about. One such brand I came across recently was US-based men’s grooming company Cremo, whose Black Friday sale provides the ideal introduction to their already-affordable fragrances.

When it comes to aftershave, many worry about ‘blind buying’ a scent they’ve not experienced in person. So, I’ve taken one for the team and tested out three of Cremo’s best-selling and now-reduced fragrances and found one that smells far more expensive than its under-£25 price tag.

While Cremo is known for its budget-friendly and beautifully-scented aftershaves, shower gels and shaving creams, its Black Friday sale has seen up to 30% off sitewide, plus free shipping. However, the offers are ending on December 2, so those looking to snap up some Christmas gifts have less than a week to do so.

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As someone who both owns a lot of perfume and worked on a fragrance counter for four years, I know a great scent when I smell one, and Cremo’s Bourbon and Oak eau de toilette is a standout and is the one I’d have confidently blind-bought out of the trio I tried.

It’s described as having notes of distiller’s spices, smoked bourbon and oak, which results in a warm, cosy but undeniably masculine scent that could rival designer labels. Usually £30.95, it’s currently £24.76 in the sale, and to me, smells similar – albeit not as strong nor as smokey – as Maison Margiela’s Replica Jazz Club, which is £125 in comparison, while described as smelling like ‘heady cocktails and cigars’.

My dad adores a distinguished scent, and Bourbon and Oak is definitely that, reminiscent of a gentleman’s club or an antique library. The aftershave is immediately likeable, with a rich and sophisticated blend of wood and spice, becoming more addictive as the day progresses, ageing like a fine, well… bourbon.

Shoppers have likened the Cremo scent to much more expensive brands like YSL, Mont Blanc and even Tom Ford, and I’d be inclined to agree – particularly on first impressions. However, as reflected in the price differences, Cremo’s scents don’t have the sillage or the longevity of pricier products – but for the cost, you can certainly afford to be liberal in application, and reapply as required. Another way to get aftershave to last longer is to layer it over shower gel, like Cremo’s Bourbon and Oak offering.

The fragrance has already earned a loyal following online, with users saying they’re forever receiving compliments on the scent. One said: “Bold, unique and layered all-day scent that my wife loves. I loved the body wash so much I thought I’d try out the cologne and I am glad I did. This is now my signature scent.”

“Very impressed with this cologne,” said another. “I usually wear YSL and Mont Blanc but which cost five times more but this cologne tops them both. Always getting compliments from people as well.”

A third agreed that they wish it lasted longer, commenting: “Love this cologne, the only downfall is that the scent doesn’t last as long as I would like.”

Meanwhile, a fourth added: “This cologne is insane. It literally smells exactly like one of my favorite colognes of all time (Tom Ford Tuscan Leather) and at such a spanking deal! I’ll be sure to be stocking up on this stuff.”

I also tried out the bestselling Spice & Black Vanilla Eau De Toilette, also £24.76 , down from £30.95, which offers a softer, lighter, yet still warm and autumnal scent. Cardamom gives it a spiciness, but the black vanilla gives it a sweetness, making it quite different to the Bourbon and Oak number.

Personally, I loved this scent, and it’s one that would slot effortlessly into my vanilla-heavy collection, but my dad found it too sweet for his personal taste. I think those who like scents such as Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum would like Cremo’s Spice & Black Vanilla, as they share notes of cardamom and vanilla. Complete with notes of lavender and iris, Jean Paul Gaultier’s bottle is currently on offer at Boots for £88, reduced from £110 for 125ml.

Speaking on Cremo’s aftershave , one shopper said: “Amazing value for money and really impressed with the fragrance, I feel I’ll be wearing it a lot with the colder months just around the corner.” Though another agreed that they lack a little in longevity, commenting: “Pleasant enough cologne, smell doesn’t last too long on me though.”

“I started using Cremo just before Christmas,” said a third. “Slightly different from your brand names, but in all honesty after buying really expensive brand names for years, these are just as good if not better and miles cheaper and in bigger bottles.”

The final fragrance I tried was the Palo Santo Eau De Toilette, which is bright, fresh and earthy. Like the vanilla scent, cardamom is a prominent feature, with the addition of dry papyrus and Palo Santo, which is where that fresh, woodsy quality comes from.

This one was a little more expensive than the others, costing £27.96 down from £35.95, however I must say that I wasn’t the biggest fan out of the three. It’s certainly unique and distinctive, and I liked it better after an hour of settling onto the skin, but I want an aftershave to have immediate appeal.

That said, others have loved it, commenting: “I get so many compliments on this scent. People think it is from a big name department store with a hefty price tag.” and “Really nice and fresh scent. Lasts all day too, so good value for the money.”

A third wrote: “Not disappointed at all based on the price point. The scent is well designed with a clean, natural aroma. I only wish it lasted longer after being applied. I have received several compliments on this spray.”