Soft-Spoken Masculinity

In a world of loud, unoriginal designer releases, Burberry Brit goes to show that style and substance don't always come with a luxury price tag.

Fiery ginger, a squeeze of juicy orange, and a pinch of green spice create an invigorating, zingy opening that never feels sharp or biting. A soapy-pink rose soon blooms over a base of dry woods, given an an almond-esque, vanillic sweetness. There's an immediate softness here that sets the tone for the whole experience.

As it dries down, it becomes progressively muskier and more powdery, with the rose receding into the deepening base of lightly spiced woods from which it emerged. It finishes as a subtly sweet, woodsy floral that feels masculine without being afraid to show its softer side.

And that's ultimately what I enjoy most about it. There's a tenderness to Burberry Brit that feels entirely unforced. I imagine it being worn by a kind-hearted man who's comfortable embracing his feminine side, but with enough of a bold streak to carry himself with confidence rather than bravado.

If it performed even moderately well, I’d love to own more than just a 5ml decant, but it’s so faint, even immediately after spraying. I’ll enjoy my sample for early-morning gym sessions and quick nips to the shops, but once it’s gone, I doubt I’ll miss it enough to buy more.