Your Next Scent: Terre d’Hermès

terra d'hermes

Of all the things in a man's personal style, scent is one of the hardest to get right. It should be noticed without overwhelming. It should last from the moment you put it on until you close your eyes at night. A great cologne will even change over the course of the day, just like how the flavors of a good spirit shift as you drink it. It should enhance your visual and your personality. As a sense, smell can be as powerful as how you look and what you say.

My new personal favorite isn't new. Terre d'Hermès has been available for almost twenty years, but it remains highly regarded even by the lifelong aficionados on BaseNotes – the web's biggest scent forum.

Terre d'Hermès has hints of orange peel, cedar, pine, and vetiver, with nice, moderate sillage (the trail it leaves behind you).

Find a sample in a magazine or in-store. As with any cologne, wear it before determining whether you like it or not – scents smell differently on everyone, and what it smells like in the tester bottle isn't what it will smell like on you.

Andrew is the founder and editor of Primer. He's a graduate of American University and currently lives in Los Angeles. Read more about Primer on our About page. On Instagram: @andrewsnavely and @primermagazine.

  • Fludu

    You gotta put the accent the other way around!

    • http://www.primermagazine.com/ Andrew

      Can we chalk it up to bad eye sight and a small screen?

  • A guest

    It’s Hermès, Andrew!

    • http://www.primermagazine.com/ Andrew

      Thanks, I thought I was fancy because I thought I knew the OSX shortcut, but it was the wrong one!

  • Aaron Roberts

    Last month there was a post (Getup of Harvest and Thanks) that listed a solid cologne as part of the overall ensemble and it got me wondering how it differs from a traditional spray cologne such as this one. I’ve always used spray in the past but am very intrigued by the solid–seems like the scent would last longer–and would love to get some feedback. Thanks.

  • DZ

    I’m no aficionado… but I’ve tried my fair share of cologne and been around the basenotes forums. This is really a great manly scent. Smells good, natural, manly without being too metrosexual or “cologney”. No one will confuse you for an abercrombie model or a cologne guy (unless you bathe in it). 2 sprays is enough to last all day. Definitely something any older guy can wear. Highly recommend this one.

  • Dojo Dan

    I’ll try to find a sample of this but I’m a long-time fan of BR’s Black Walnut. Curious to hear what you all say about that one.

  • Richard

    FYI: If you want to try it out but can’t find it in a store (or magazine), they have a small sample bottle of it for $2.50 at Fragrancenet.com.

    • Doug

      My friend, you read my mind…

    • Michael

      Closest thing I could find on the site was the .17 oz and gel for $13.75 with coupon. Am I looking in the wrong place?

  • g

    I’ve been wearing this off and on for a few years – woodsy and mellow, a nice sandalwood/cedar smell that lasts for a long time without being obnoxious. I reach for Moonshine more often for regular wear but I like this one if I’m heading out after work.

  • Kay

    Wore this to a party last night and ended up making out with a random chick. This stuff is potent o_o.

  • dialogueanalog

    I am a big fan of Tom Ford and his fragrances (Extreme, Man, Black Orchid). One for every occasion. I was not as blown away by Hermes as I was by Tom Ford. What do you think?

  • Juniper

    came out in 2006. 2014 – 2006 = 8 years old.

    the top note of this is VERY harsh however it quickly dissipates and the dry down is a real earthy / orange smell.

    Its good… but not Aventus good