It’s hard not to have a crush on Michael B. Jordan. He always looks great on the red carpet, and on the field, and at the beach … oh yeah, and in the kitchen. So when we had the chance to chat with him over the phone, we literally jumped (and fought over who would do the interview).
Jennie Warren
The 27-year-old star is teaming up with Axe to help launch the brand’s new Gold Temptation fragrance. (Sound familiar? It’s an extension of the the popular fragrance Dark Temptation, which guys go crazy over.) For the rest of the summer, Jordan will encourage Axe followers and his fans to take part in the #TemptationTuesday social campaign, as he gets to the bottom of what the opposite sex really wants. We caught up with him about his new collaboration, his flawless style and of course, what scents he loves on a woman.
PEOPLE: Why did you want to take part in this campaign?
MBJ: According to a Axe survey, 75% of guys and 60% of girls don’t know what tempts the other. I felt that was a personal problem and wanted to get some answers. It’s a shame that in the modern world of dating, we don’t know what tempts one another, so I thought, ‘Let me be part of the solution in a cool, creative way.’ It was cool because I got to move from in front of the camera to behind it. Axe is allowing me to direct some of the content. [Videos will be released in September].
PEOPLE: What’s your first cologne memory?
MBJ: I think it was my dad. When I was a kid, I used to be around my dad, wanted to be like him. I’d see him put on aftershave, cologne, and I’d stand in the mirror — it’s so cliché — I’d stand in the mirror and pretend I was shaving without a beard, the shaving cream and everything.
PEOPLE: What was the first cologne you ever wore?
MBJ: I think I stole my best friend’s, you know how you’d borrow it and never give it back? I’d go to my roommate. Then it was Jean Paul Gaultier, the man-shaped bottle with the turquoise stripes, that I purchased on my own.
PEOPLE: What’s your grooming routine like? Do you wear cologne now?
MBJ: I always wear cologne. I’m a hugger, especially with ladies, I don’t like shaking women’s hands. Always good to be smelling good, leave them with something when you when you walk away. I think that’s pretty good.
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PEOPLE: Do you have a perfume memory from a first girlfriend?
MBJ: One of the most powerful things about scent is memory. You smell something and it takes you back. My first girlfriend loved stuff from Victoria’s Secret. I try not to smell it [on other people]. When I do, I immediately go back there. I try not to go back there!
PEOPLE: What scents on girls are most tempting to you?
More floral stuff — not too strong, a subtle floral. Something that keeps you going back for more — you don’t know exactly what it is, but it intrigues you and you need a second, third, fourth opinion. Similar with Axe Gold Temptation — it has a chocolatey note to it, layered up with bright citrus flavors, a little spice, and it’s not overwhelming. It makes you want to keep wanting to smell more. You don’t want everything all at once.
PEOPLE: Are there looks on girls you always love to see?
MBJ: Leggings and jean shorts never gets old with me. A girl in a nice pair of leggings and jean shorts during the summer is one of my favorites for sure. Maxidress too – a maxidress and heels – whatever that combination is , women keep doing it — it’s nice to look at.
PEOPLE: Any styles you just don’t get?
MBJ: No, ladies, keep doing what you’re doing. Gladiator sandals — that had it’s run, it was cool for about a second.
PEOPLE: You have some of the best style on the red carpet right now. Have you always been into clothes?
MBJ: Growing up I didn’t have an older brother to mimic, so I went through a lot of growing pains and [fashion] disasters. Websites, magazines, fashion shows, you pick up a certain fashion sense. I love dressing up, you command respect. I got a stylist, Jeff Kim, who’s phenomenal. We’ve been collaborating on looks. It’s a combined effort between us. I’m a big fan of vests. I like vests and ties — the three piece look without the blazer. I have a few go-tos. Suspenders, they’re cool. Old school kinda feeling.
PEOPLE: What do you wear on a first date?
MBJ: I If I’m going on a date, dark colors — black, keep it simple. I like being very comfortable. Dressing down shows a lot. [Cccording to Axe survey] , 92% of guys like girls to be more casual — to wear sweats, jeans, t-shirt, less makeup, hair up. Casual, not trying too hard, comes across as confident. You don’t want to look like you over think things. I prefer a chill laid back approach. You can dress up when you do something special. If you set the bar so high from the beginning, you don’t want to go backwards. On the first date, I’ll go with sandals with socks on, every fashion no-no you can think of: Still want to go out with me? [Laughs]
PEOPLE: What do you like to see a girl wear on a date?
MBJ: First date with a girl: I would rather them be more laid back. Naturally beautiful. That goes a long way with me. It can go only get better from there.
What do you think of MBJ’s candid interview? What’s your fragrance MO? Are you excited for #TemptationTuesday? Share your thoughts below.
–Brittany Talarico, with reporting by Alex Apatoff
