Trying to find a new fragrance which is perfect for you or a loved one is difficult, considering all the options available for purchase. In the fragrance world, each bottle has labelled the fragrance concentration - i.e. the strength of the fragrance. Perfumes with a higher fragrance concentration contain more perfume oils and less alcohol. Understanding a little more about fragrance concentrations will mean shopping for a new scent is far more straightforward. To help, we've put together a simple guide to assist, when selecting a fragrance that best suits you.
Eau de Parfum, also known as Extrait de Parfum, is the highest concentration of fragrance. They smell divine and contain between 20% to 30% perfume oil. It's because of this super concentration that they usually last six to eight hours. People with sensitive skin may do better with parfums as they have far less alcohol than other fragrance types. Therefore, they are not as likely to dry out the skin.
Eau de Toilette is considered popular among consumers. It contains a much lower fragrance concentration - 5% to 15%, so consequently, they are cheaper to buy. They are a lighter fragrance that lasts two to three hours, and perfect for wearing during the day.
Eau de cologne, or EDC, has a much lower fragrance concentration and is usually contained in larger bottles. They contain between 2% to 4% of fragrance concentration and have a high alcohol concentration. The scent only lasts up to two hours, but they are cheaper than other types of fragrance, so you can splash on as much as you like.
Eau Fraiche is similar to Eau de Cologne. It will last for up to two hours, consisting of a low concentration of fragrance, at only 1% to 3%, without containing a high amount of alcohol.
The Vanguard Collection is an exclusive range of Eau de Parfums created with the finest fragrance oils. Vanguard Eau De Parfum has a fragrance concentration of over 20%, and Vanguard Oud has a concentration of over 25%. So, if you're looking for a British aftershave that delivers style, inspiration and quality, click our Shop page to discover the Vanguard Collection.
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Having amassed over 1 million followers on Instagram and maintaining a strong presence on other key social media platforms, Rowan Row has his finger on the pulse of fashion content creation. This blogger, slash influencer, slash taste-maker and photographer has mastered the art of effective content distribution while building a highly engaged community. A quick scroll through Rowan's Instagram feed and you're left craving the clothing items he so effortlessly pieces together. Whether it's a watch, spectacles, male grooming tools or a three piece-suit, Rowan knows how to get his followers talking - and most likely buying. Comments pleading for Rowan to share details on his clothing and applauding him for his style are a dime a dozen. It's not every day you come across an individual that can seamlessly switch from Canary Wharf banker attire to Shoreditch hipster. Rowan's looks span a wide range of influences, which have allowed him to cater to the masses, while still maintaining a strong identity amongst the crowded fashion content space.
There is much speculation about fashion bloggers and influencers. While many brands and customers have embraced the influencer, there are still naysayers lurking. Rowan trumps all talk, which doubts the ability of a blogger to disrupt the fashion industry in any meaningful way. Having worked with some of the world's most popular brands, Rowan is amongst a small group of non-traditional celebrities that have formed relationships with major companies. Rowan has the power to direct his followers to brands that were previously unknown to them - indicating the trust he has garnered. Rowan Row is indeed at the helm of fashion blogging and continues to gift us with content rivalling those generated by major fashion publications.
With over 100k followers on Instagram, Gabriel Akinosho's content has one sole purpose - to showcase timeless fashion pieces in a variety of locations across the globe. At first glance, Gabriel appears as a fashion influencer, doing what influencers do best - creating polished content behind enviable backdrops. Although very accurate, Gabriel also holds two significant titles. He is the Founder and Creative Director of luxury men's fashion brand, Albert Clothing. Using his platform as a catalogue for Albert Clothing, Gabriel displays the intricate connection between himself and the Albert Clothing brand. If you want to know precisely who the Albert man is, then look no further than Gabriel's socials. He has masterfully entwined his persona with that of Albert Clothing's, without taking anything away from the brand. Gabriel's use of social media is not only a fashionista's delight, but it also provides a master class on how to market a brand. Authenticity seeps from all corners of Albert Clothing, and it has its founder to thank for that. Despite authenticity being somewhat of a buzzword, it is vital when crafting a brands image online. Therefore, the coming together of Gabriel and the Albert Clothing brand is a formula that is proving effective. This strategy represents a founder dedicated to the success of his company, who eats, lives and sleeps his brand.
Albert Clothing is a culmination of classic, timeless and exemplary craftsmanship. Gabriel ensures that the brand is at the vanguard of men's fashion - offering pieces that play with texture, patterns, colour and fine tailoring. Known for their dapper suits, Albert Clothing offers an array of masterfully constructed trouser and jacket ensembles to fit just about any man. With product names such as the Havana suit, Cannes blazer and the Celtic Mac, Albert Clothing creates a world where their customer set off around the globe with just a single purchase, and let us not forget to mention that Gabriel prides himself as presenting the Albert man as one who never misses a beat, by offering footwear to match. The Albert Clothing has made a stamp in the world of fashion. With the use of his social media, Gabriel is showing brands and influencers alike that authenticity most certainly always wins.
We have come to the end of 'Who is Mr Vanguard,' and we have to say that both men are excellent examples of taking your passions and running with them. Both Rowan and Gabriel have carved out their slice of the busy fashion world, positioned at the vanguard of men's fashion and lifestyle. They are both true examples of inspirational, fearless and self-assured individuals that we are sure will continue to disrupt the online fashion landscape.
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We take great pleasure in announcing the release of our second fragrance, Vanguard Oud. After months of concocting, sampling and refining, we have finally developed a scent that rivals the very best. Vanguard Oud has quickly become our pride and joy, of course, without stepping on the toes of its predecessor, Vanguard Eau de Parfum. Although highly distinct, Vanguard Oud maintains the Vanguard DNA - understated, while possessing a striking quality. For the next few minutes, we will be taking you on a journey detailing how we went from a single word to a bottle packed with liquid treasure.
Due to the continued success of our debut fragrance; Vanguard Eau de Parfum, developing a follow-up would present a challenge. From the offset, the goal was to create a uniquely distinct scent, as opposed to taking the easy road and producing a fragrance that was almost similar in nature to the first.
After much thought, we arrived at this conclusion - the next scent would sit in the Oud Category, and simply be called 'Vanguard Oud'. For those who are familiar with Oud, its unique nature means that it is instantly recognisable. There is absolutely no denying the intensity of this polarising scent classification. Again, in regards to Oud, there is a tendency for perfumers to produce an overbearing scent. Many who claim that Oud is 'just not their thing', usually do so because of its overpowering character. However we knew all too well that the power that Oud possesses could be employed in a manner that shifts the opinions of naysayers. Vanguard Oud would adopt a smoother and less eye-watering approach, still managing to take centre stage and holding tight to the power Oud is known to possess.
This led us to explore the word power and all its nuances. We wanted to define precisely how power relates to the Vanguard man. We found that Mr Vanguard is indeed powerful, but not in the way that adheres to the status quo. Mr Vanguard can command a room without overpowering a room. Mr Vanguard does not evoke fear, instead, radiates an intense cool and calm. Mr Vanguard is authoritative, subconsciously influencing. Mr Vanguard holds all the winning cards and uses them sparingly. Mr Vanguard is simply the embodiment of soft power. This type of power attracts, leaving a lasting effect.
The Vanguard Oud formula is soft power personified. Entering with top notes of Bergamot and Saffron, leading into heart notes of Oud Musk, Vetiver, Cardamom, Rose and Lavender and harmonising into base notes of Nutmeg, Black Agar, Patchouli and Precious Woods. As mentioned, our goal was not to create an eye-watering Oud, but to serenade your senses, leaving a stamp of power, in its most subtle manifestation.
The application of Vanguard Oud leaves you with questions. Although you can clearly identify the authoritative nature of this scent, there is a subdued element that isn't as easy to qualify. It is this intriguing quality that will surely make Vanguard Oud a staple. Wear it during intimate get-togethers, or in high-powered professional settings, regardless, its understated dominance cannot go ignored. We can't wait for you to get your hands on it, so click shop to experience the new edition to the Mr Vanguard family.
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Credit: Ben Francis/greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com
First off, we have 26-year-old Ben Francis - founder of sportswear brand Gymshark. As a 19-year-old attending Aston University, while balancing a job as a pizza delivery man, the original idea for Gymshark was launched. For most students, balancing full-time study and part-time work can be challenging. However, Ben took it one step further when he added running a business, to what we're sure was already a pretty busy schedule.
After two years of running Gymshark, which initially sold fitness supplements, Ben decided he would produce gym clothing. The idea was a hit, generating £250,000 in revenue. What we find to be remarkable is how resourceful Ben was during this period. He purchased a sewing machine and screen printer, manufacturing the clothing in his parent's garage. To expand on the then DIY business, Ben sought out individuals with shared interests, by gifting Gymshark apparel to online fitness enthusiasts. Today, this is commonly known as influencer marketing. Ben was undoubtedly ahead of the curve.
Six years later, the brand has joined forces with seasoned executives, who alongside Ben have built a company that is shaking up the sportswear market. By harnessing the science and art of influencer marketing, Gymshark has cultivated a community unmatched in the new-age fitness world, amassing an Instagram following of 3-million people.
Gymshark is one of the UK's fastest growing companies and in 2018 turned-over £100 million pounds in revenue. Ben has shown fearlessness by taking up the difficult task of entrepreneurship, he has inspired a new generation of fitness lovers and has remained innovative in his mission to build a legacy bigger than himself.
Credit: Dan Da Rocha/dandarocha.com
Our second Vanguard man is game developer Dan Da Rocha. Dan broke into the games industry in 2011, with his debut game Q.U.B.E. The game was initially designed to act as a portfolio piece, to help Dan secure a job within the games industry after leaving University. However, conversations with lecturers and other industry professionals persuaded Dan to seek out investment and complete the development of the game.
Within a few weeks of attending and pitching Q.U.B.E at gaming events, conversations with Indie Fund, surrounding budgets and schedules to complete the game were well on their way. Out of 200 applicants hoping to win investment, Q.U.B.E was the standout. Dan notes that pitching Q.U.B.E as a playable demo served as a significant advantage. Other applicants failed to produce demos of their own, instead, opting for written and verbal presentations.
Dan states that in his early years he had no business experience and was not expecting to turn Q.U.B.E into a business. However, his technical skills coupled with creativity helped Q.U.B.E recoup £90,000 investment in 4 days, shipping 500,000 units.
Dan has appeared on Forbes under 30 and gone on to develop several commercially successful games. Dan noted that looking back on his career he would tell his younger self the following: go full throttle and learn as much as you can. Put yourself out there as much as possible. And finally, know where you want to be in 5 years.
Credit: Silas Adekunle/Reachrobotics
Our third Vanguard man is Silas Adekunle, Co-founder and CEO of Reach Robotics. Born in Nigeria, to a mother working as a midwife, and a father who taught Biochemistry, Silas was immersed in the world of Science.
At the age of 11, Silas moved to England, becoming enamoured by the Pokemon franchise. Like many children, Silas was no stranger to playing games and thoroughly enjoyed building Lego. Spending time constructing Lego blocks acted as an informal introduction to robotics. It's no surprise that Silas went on to study a STEM-based degree, opting to attend the University of West England, and enrolling onto the Bachelor of Science in Robotics.
While at University Silas visited schools teaching robotics, attempting to work this topic into the curriculum. However, he ran into a few obstacles - the pupils were not as engaged as he would have liked. Silas decided to take the lessons he had learned from playing games, incorporating these gaming concepts into his sessions. And this is when a light bulb moment occurred. Silas realised that he could take gaming principles and combine them with robotics, to make a product that entertained and educated. This realisation led to the beginning stages of the robot Mekamon.
Silas partnered with Chris Beck who has a PhD in robotics and Mechanical Engineer John Rees, and together they further developed Mekamon. The robot is designed to have a personality and specific behaviour movements and is now available in Apple stores in the UK and the US.
At 27, Silas has achieved a slew of accolades. He was featured on Forbes 30 under 30, earned a place on the list for one of the most influential BAME leaders in tech by the Financial Times, and awarded an honorary doctorate. Silas aims to make Reach Robotics a global household brand and continue to entertain and educate with the use of robotics.
We have come to the end of 'Who is Mr Vanguard?' and it's clear to see that the Vanguard man comes from all corners of society. The common thread running through each man is the inspiration they offer, the fearlessness they have displayed, and finally the self-assurance necessary to continue in their endeavours.
Until next time.
It seems like only yesterday we were clinking our champagne glasses, clapping our hands and hugging friends, celebrating the arrival of the New Year. However, in what feels like the blink of an eye, the year is swiftly coming to a close.
If you are anything like the team at Mr Vanguard, you are eagerly anticipating 2019, ready to begin all your New Year objectives. However, before stepping into the new calendar year, we want to cast our minds back, highlighting some of Mr Vanguard’s most significant achievements in the last twelve months.
Mr Vanguard prides itself on providing the best quality and service to all of our customers. So at the beginning of the year, we made strides to improve our day-to-day operations as well as enhancing the physical product. We will continue to deliver luxury value to our customers.
We have heard the requests of non-UK residents and have extended our delivery network. We are now able to deliver across Mainland Europe, the Middle East and the USA.
We celebrated our first birthday in July and was extremely humbled and grateful by all the well-wishes we received. Our customers, subscribers & followers are truly a supportive bunch!
Being awarded two Pure Beauty Awards; the Best New British Brand and The Best New Premium Male Fragrance, is most certainly Mr Vanguard’s stand-out moment. The brand could not have achieved such recognition without the support of the Mr Vanguard Collective, and we are thankful for the hundreds of subscribers and followers that took the time-out to vote.
We want to end the year by thanking every single person who has purchased the debut fragrance. For all those requesting further Mr Vanguard products, no need to worry, we have some special things planned for next year so keep tuned!
For now, let us usher out 2018 the right way, by pressing the reset button and saying cheers to 2019.
Happy Holidays to all and as always, we hope you stay inspired, fearless and self-assured!
We have selected four men we believe are true representations of the Mr Vanguard man, and we’re going to explain why we think that is.
At only 26, John Boyega has already achieved a great deal in life. Hailing from South East London and the son of British-Nigerian parents, Boyega has shown fearless persistence and perseverance in the world of film. Boyega's acting talents were spotted at the tender age of nine; going on to receive a hardship grant permitting attendance to a learning theatre for young people.
His success is derived from his constant drive to pursue his acting career. Boyega has shown a talent for comedy as well as drama, cast in the horror comedy ‘Attack The Block’ and his role in the newest Star Wars Trilogy. In 2016, Boyega received the BAFTA award for the ‘Rising Star.’ Also in 2016, Boyega set up his own production company, which co-produced this year's hit movie ‘Pacific Rim Uprising,’ with Boyega holding a leading role. He has a real heart for his Nigerian roots, basing his production company in Nigeria. Boyega is using his success to promote the talents of others. He is a true inspiration, a leader, innovator and a prime example of the Mr Vanguard man. There is no doubt that this talented driven business mogul will go on to do bigger and better things.
In 2012 Umar Kamini, alongside his brother, founded the fashion brand PrettyLittleThing, a brand whose name dominates the highly competitive fast-fashion landscape. Whether it is through social media or well-placed advertising, this online fashion retailer is hard to ignore.
Considering the immense success of PrettyLittleThing, it is difficult to believe that the business has been in existence for just over five years. So how has Kamini achieved such amazing success in such a short amount of time? His incredible skills to pick up trends circulating the social media realm is most certainly a major contributing factor to the brands success. The brands ability to connect with a diverse range of influencers has been a game changer. PrettyLittleThing remains in the spotlight, acting as a clothing provider and lifestyle brand.
Kamini represents the Mr Vanguard man because he understands the importance of developing relationships, as seen in the collaborations with celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Teyana Taylor and Sofia Richie. Kamini is fearless in his ambition, with a global vision firmly rooted in the United Kingdom. A new eCommerce operation in Sheffield, United Kingdom will provide 1200 jobs by the end of this year. Kamini's power of perception also means that he recognises the need for his business to accommodate everyone, so jobs include part-time, full-time and student-friendly hours. Umar Kamini is a true visionary.
Michael Paterson and Sultan Murad Saidov are co-founders of Beamery, a London-based recruitment and headhunting company, with a creative and fresh outlook. Beamery uses software to help organisations find the perfect candidates for jobs.
These two men represent the Mr Vanguard man as they took up the difficult task of starting Beamery whilst working at their corporate jobs. They were fearless in their bid to pursue their vision, opting to take an innovative approach to their business. They were able to recognise that there was a pool of extremely talented candidates who were completely overlooked, simply because they were not actively looking for work. The perfect role was ready and waiting for existing candidates, who fit various job descriptions to a tee. All that was required was an intermediary to bring both parties together, and so Beamery was born.
As you’ve read, the Mr Vanguard man can come from various walks of life, and we hope that you are inspired by the stories of these men, pushing you to create your own path in life. One thing that we’ve learned is a true leader is always willing to meet the needs of others. It is clear that the Mr Vanguard man takes personal accountability for the direction of his life, regardless of the obstacles that may be present. Be fearless in the pursuit towards your dreams, think outside the box and remember you are Mr Vanguard.
We want all of our customers to maximise the powerful impact of Vanguard. Before you even press down on the spray, remember that a subtle dose always works better than a deluge.
Below are our 5 key secrets on getting the best from Vanguard Eau De Parfum.
It's an old secret and by the nature of secrets, not everyone is aware of this one. To spray Vanguard on your pulse points is to make the very most of its sensational scent. A spray to the wrists will be magnified by the subtle heat of your pulse. Behind the ears is a good place too, if you fancy it. Just be sure to get your aim right!
If you're the type who likes to leave a button or two open on your shirt, it makes sense to send a quick spray of Vanguard in the direction of your chest. Whether you have a hairy chest or it's as smooth as the day you were born, passers-by are far more likely to remember the pheromone-infused smell of Vanguard.
You can't beat a classic – and the neck has always been the classic area for a spray of your favourite fragrance. The pulse in your neck is strong and more exposed than other pulse points in your body. A spray of Vanguard goes a long way.
The last thing you want to do is overpower people with excess use of Vanguard. Trust us – it is at its brilliant best when applied sparingly to the right places.
The act of applying fragrance to your wrists and rubbing them together should never be done. Rubbing your wrists together after spraying Vanguard removes the top notes of your perfume, leaving you with the middle and base notes, so you don't get the full scent. Instead, let the fragrance settle on the skin and open up on its own, so it lasts you the whole day.
There have been many milestones along that road for us. We’ve had to look to ourselves and ask what we’re doing and why we’re doing it more than once. It’s been a long process but we’re thrilled with the response and outcome we’re getting.
Our big question has always been: how do we make sure our customers know as much about the brand as possible?
Well, we’ve stopped, and thought, and planned – now it’s time for the next stage. We’re taking our debut fragrance out onto a bigger platform. That’s why we’re going to the Gentlemen’s Grooming Show in Tobacco Dock, London on December 3rd. The show is open to the public and will have exhibitors from all corners of the men’s grooming market.
That’s pretty special for us. We’re a London-based brand, and a small team. Having the opportunity to showcase Vanguard Eau De Parfum, in our own hometown, with some of the best and brightest offers in the men’s lifestyle industry is amazing for us.
We had a chat with the team organising the Gentlemen’s Grooming Show to explain, who, what, why and how we’ve got to where we are today. Read more here:
http://gentlemansgroomingshow.co.uk/blog/mr-vanguard-qa/
If you've been looking for a place where you can be inspired by men's fragrance, fashion and lifestyle, stop now - Mr Vanguard has been created just for you. In our debut blog post, we'll introduce our launch product and in the future we'll fill this space with topics that you'll love, bringing you inspirational stories from individuals taking control of their life.
To make our launch special we want to give you a free gift. A sample of our flagship product will be sent to every UK-based subscriber to our email newsletter.
We're kicking things off with Vanguard Eau de Parfum, our debut fragrance. Vanguard is inspired by feelings of freedom and strength. This starts with a base of firm, woody essences like cedar and amber, with the exotic scents of hot, tropical climates like the Far East and the Caribbean layered on top.
Those are just the foundations though, we've worked long and hard to bring you a complex fragrance that unravels slowly through all its notes. Find out more in the Shop section.
Or sign up to our newsletter and you'll find out for yourself - the fragrance is just the beginning of our journey.
Whenever you feel like you're making the most of your freedom and tackling the challenges of modern living, let us know what's going on using the hashtag #MrVanguard. You could be a rebel, a game changer or a lurker - we want to know what's happening.
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