Let’s face it, though, finding the ideal manly fragrance isn’t always easy. It’s a journey of self-discovery by trial and error as you determine what works for you. But no need to worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you, narrowing down a crowded market to the 16 best men’s cologne.
What’s The Best Cologne For Men?
Below are some of the best colognes men can wear for a lasting aromatic impression.
1. Givenchy’s Pi Neo
This is an inexpensive summer fragrance with outstanding scents. It lasts longer than most fragrances in its class, and costs about half as much as similar designer scents. It’s a creative choice for summer and spring. The Pi Neo has a heart note of licorice that gives the scent some complexity and unique air.
Standard Size: 3.4 oz (100 ml)Lasts: 6-7 hoursTop Notes: Mandarin orange and BergamotHeart Notes: Licorice, myrtle, and cedarBase Notes: Patchouli
2. Giorgio Armani’s Acqua Di Gio
A long-lasting fragrance suitable for summer beach vacations, Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani has a clean and fresh scent in an unpretentious bottle and classic packaging. The top notes are a smooth combination of mandarin orange, orange, lemon, bergamot, neroli, lime, and jasmine.
Standard Size: 3.4 oz (100 ml)Lasts: Approx. 6 hoursTop Notes: Lime, lemon, bergamot, neroli, and jasmineHeart Notes: Calone, peach, freesia, hyacinth, rosemary, coriander, nutmeg, and violetBase Notes: Oakmoss, patchouli, white musk, and amber
3. Tom Ford’s Tobacco Oud Perfume for Men
The Tobacco Oud by Tom Ford is a super masculine scent with oriental fragrances. The top notes may be a little too strong for some situations, but the middle notes are an attractive spicy smell that most women find attractive. It’s probably not best for day-to-day use but more suitable for formal special occasions. Though its price is high, it has great value for when you want to stand out and exude elegance. A solid choice for outdoor events.
Standard Size: 1.7 oz (50 ml)Lasts: 8-12 hoursTop Notes: WhiskyHeart Notes: Coriander, cinnamonBase Notes: Tobacco, agarwood (oud), sandalwood, cedar, patchouli, incense, and vanilla
4. Burberry’s Mr. Burberry
Mr. Burberry is a classic and timeless fragrance with fresh top notes. The packaging draws inspiration from Burberry’s iconic black heritage trench coat. This cologne offers a fusion of classic British woody notes and strong herbal elements. Its notes transition smoothly from oceanic freshness to sharp woodiness, then finally wearing away into a smooth and cuddly finish.
Standard Size: 3.3 oz (100 ml)Lasts: 6 to 8 hoursTop Notes: Grapefruit, mint, tarragon, and cardamomHeart Notes: Cedar, birch, lavender, and nutmegBase Notes: Vetiver, sandalwood, oakmoss, amber wood, and guaiac wood
5. Christian Dior Sauvage
The Dior Sauvage is a crisp fresh manly fragrance, with Johnny Depp as the face of the new edition launched in 2018. The top notes are fruity with a hint of spice. Sauvage’s Base notes intensify the scents of masculinity with their smoky and woody fragrances.
Standard Size: 3.4 oz (100 ml)Lasts: 5 to 6 hoursTop Notes: Bergamot and Mandarin orangeHeart Notes: Sandalwood and Virginia cedarBase Notes: Vanilla
6. Versace Eros Cologne for Men
Versace is one of the most popular high-fashion brands, and their Eros Eau de Toilette symbolizes manly luxury and elegance. Its fragrance is aromatic and woody, with top notes mixing scents of green apple and lemon zest. Eros’ middle notes add depth with an infusion of Tonka bean, Ambroxan amber, and the fresh scent of geraniums. The base scents add a dark forest fragrance, offering a perfectly balanced transition from the heart notes. Eros is a much lighter masculine scent than most colognes in its class, making it suitable for ladies who want a touch of masculinity, too. It is perfect for day-to-day use, but be conservative with it. Because of Eros’ sharp scent, watch out not to overspray when wearing it for work or in professional settings.
Standard Size: 34oz (100ml)Lasts: 12 hoursTop Notes: Mint, lemon, green appleHeart Notes: Tonka bean, Ambroxan, geraniumBase Notes: Vanilla, cedar, vetiver, and oakmoss
7. Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’Homme
La Nuit de l’Homme is among the most popular of Yves Saint Laurent men’s colognes. Launched in 2009, the fragrance is a wildly masculine combination of deep contrasts. It’s a sweet yet seductive blend, which can be worn all year round. La Nuit de l’Homme hits the sweet spot between adventure and simple elegance. So it’s suitable for outdoor activities and formal occasions alike. It’s also an alluring scent for a romantic date, and women will love smelling it on you.
Standard Size: 3.4oz (100ml)Lasts: 8 to 12 hoursTop Notes: CardamomHeart Notes: Cedar, bergamot, and lavenderBase Notes: Vetiver and caraway
8. Creed Aventus
Aventus is a rich and fruity fragrance. The cologne speaks of success, sophistication, strength, and power. Aventus was a collaboration between world-renowned perfumer Olivier Creed and his son Erwin, in celebration of the brand’s 250th anniversary. The Creed brand is known for using natural ingredients under strict quality control. The scent’s sillage is powerful, in a pleasant rather than intrusive way. You walk into a room and it announces your presence without taking over. The Aventus is versatile enough to become the go-to scent for most men. Despite its rave reviews, the fragrance has limited distribution–meaning, you can’t buy it just anywhere. The high price is mainly due to the use of rare and expensive ingredients plus its unique packaging.
Standard Size: 3.3 oz (100 ml)Lasts: 6 to 8 hoursTop Notes: Bergamot, blackcurrant, pineapple, appleHeart Notes: Pink berries, patchouli, birch, and jasmineBase Notes: Musk, vanilla, oakmoss, and ambergris
9. Paco Rabanne’s Invictus
Invictus, launched in 2013, evokes a sense of fun youthful adventure with fresh scents. The trophy-shaped bottle encapsulates the air of success contained inside. The scent acts as a powerful stimulant with reassuring woody notes. It may remind you of maritime adventures or summer fruity freshness. Invictus has wonderful sillage and projects well. This cologne is ideal for daily use, day and night, and most suitable for the spring and summer seasons. It’s sporty, pleasant, and playful. Take care, though, not to spray on too much, as the scent may become overwhelming in small spaces like in an elevator or small office.
Standard Size: 3.4 oz (100 ml)Lasts: 6 to 8 hoursTop Notes: Mandarin orange, sea notes, and grapefruitHeart Notes: Bay leaf and jasmineBase Notes: Ambergris, guaiac wood, oak moss, and patchouli
10. Dolce & Gabbana The One
The One is often described as a lady magnet and a seductive crowd-pleaser. It’s a top signature fragrance that you can wear year-round on any occasion. It’s a timeless fragrance with sophistication, suitable for all ages with its woody, spicy style. Dolce & Gabbana launched this Eau de Parfum in 2015 is an enhanced, denser version compared to their earlier Eau de Toilette of 2008. The EDP lasts longer and offers better symmetry between the top, heart, and base tones.
Standard Size: 3.3 oz (100 ml)Lasts: 3-4 hoursTop Notes: Basil, coriander, and grapefruitHeart Notes: Cardamom, ginger, and orange blossomBase Notes: Amber, cedar, and tobacco
11. Jimmy Choo Man
Man was the first fragrance from designer Jimmy Choo, launched in 2014. It’s a modern yet powerful fragrance designed for the confident and sophisticated man with an adventurous spirit. The face of Man is thus none other than Kit Harrington, better known as Jon Snow from Game of Thrones. Jimmy Choo Man is popular with the young urban crowd as day-to-day, year-round fragrance. The cologne opens with a crisp citrus scent, blending into the vibrant heart notes, and finally settling into warm base notes. The packaging draws inspiration from antique hip flasks with a hint of rock-and-roll rebellion.
Standard Size: 3.4 oz (100 ml)Lasts: 1 to 3 hoursTop Notes: Lavender, honeydew melon, mandarinHeart Notes: Geranium and pink pepper mixed with pineapple leafBase Notes: Suede, ambery woods, and patchouli
12. Maison Margiela’s Replica By the Fireplace
Replica By the Fire is a signature woody fragrance suitable for both men and women. This antique-looking top spray with amber liquid was launched in 2015. Its chestnut smell comes across like it’s crackling in a warm cozy fireplace in some wooden cottage on a snowy night. The delectable fragrance lasts all day long. It’s more of a fall and winter fragrance for evenings and an active nightlife.
Standard Size: 3.4 oz (100 ml)Lasts: At least 12 hoursTop Notes: Cloves, orange blossom, and pink pepperHeart Notes: Chestnut, Guaiac wood, and juniperBase Notes: Vanilla, balsam, and cashmeran
Buyer’s Guide to Men’s Cologne
Some men wear the same scent for years while others change their colognes as often as they change their outfits. Whether you’re loyal to one scent or an adventurous type, you can make more informed buying choices if you understand how colognes work. Looking to boost your desirability with the right scent? Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop for your signature whiff: Pour Homme II is available in 1.7 oz (50 ml) and 3 oz (90 ml) bottles of EDT, 3 oz (90 ml) aftershave, 6.8 oz (200 ml) shampoo, and the 2.5 oz (75ml) deo stick. Thus, you can smell your best without the ritual of actually applying cologne.
Standard Size: 3.3 oz (100 ml)Lasts: 6-7 hoursTop Notes: Bergamot and violet leafHeart Notes: Red hot pimento, black tea, and cinnamonBase Notes: Tobacco, musk, olive tree, and myrrh
14. Tom Ford Black Orchid
Tom Ford Black Orchid is a unisex fragrance that comes in a uniquely attractive black bottle. The fragrance smells of a dark seductive mix of fruits, flowers, and herbs. Opening notes are rich and complex and blend nicely into the heart notes. The jasmine and gardenia heart notes are infused with spicy peppers and a hint of oriental incense. The base features scents of patchouli and cocoa. Black Orchid has a strong sillage with excellent projection favorable for autumn seasons.
Standard Size: 3.4 oz (100 ml)Lasts: 6-8 hoursTop Notes: Truffle, black currant, ylang-ylang, jasmine, bergamot, gardenia, Amalfi lemon, and mandarin orangeHeart Notes: Spices, fruity notes, orchid, and lotusBase Notes: Patchouli, vanilla, incense, sandalwood, white musk, and vetiver
15. Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau De Toilette
Bleu is Chanel’s answer for the popular citrus-aromatic fragrances. The scent has a fresh and zingy character; the citrus opening smells more natural compared to competing colognes. Its white musk and amber wood add depth and weight, while polge downplays the soapy nature. A citrusy yet woody nature makes Bleu de Chanel perfect for fall. It has great performance, wonderful sillage without overpowering the sense, and offers the best price-value proposition in the Chanel line of men’s colognes. Bleu is a versatile scent that you can wear with almost any outfit.
Standard Size: 5.28 oz (156 ml)Lasts: 4 hoursTop Notes: Lemon, grapefruit, pink pepper, and mintHeart Notes: E Super, nutmeg, jasmine, and polgeBase Notes: Sandalwood, patchouli, incense, vetiver, white musk, cedar, and labdanum
16. Polo Green by Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren Polo colognes are classic, and the Polo Classic Green doesn’t disappoint. Its timeless fragrance embodies elegance, sophistication, and culture. Polo Green is Ralph Lauren’s original scent released in 1978 by perfumer Carlos Benaim. It’s a classic woody tobacco blend and the formulation provides a potent sillage lasting ten hours. While it can be worn all year round, take it a little lighter during warmer weather.
Standard Size: 4 oz (118 ml)Lasts: 10 hrsTop Notes: Basil, bergamot, caraway, coriander, artemisia, and juniper berries Heart Notes: Leather, pepper, carnations, jasmine, pine tree needles, chamomile, geranium, and roseBase Notes: Oakmoss, tobacco, musk, amber, cedar, patchouli, and vetiver
STRENGTH
Colognes come in different categories depending on their strength. The major difference is in the perfume concentration mixed with alcohol. High fragrance concentrations have higher percentage volumes of perfume oils and less alcohol content per volume. Colognes typically come in five different strengths:
Eau Fraiche – The lightest fragrance with an oil concentration between one and three percent. Best for sensitive skin, as it has a low alcohol concentration and high water content.Eau de cologne – A light fragrance that fades within a couple of hours. Contains two to four percent oil concentration.Eau de toilette (EDT) – Midrange concentration with five to fifteen percent oil concentration. The scent may linger for about three hours.Eau de parfum (EDP) – The scent may linger for up to six hours. Has a perfume concentration of 15 to 20 percent.Parfum: A high concentration perfume extract with twenty to forty percent oil concentration. The scent may last anywhere from six to twelve hours.
Most of the best-selling colognes for men are usually in the EDP and EDT categories. This is because one application tends to last throughout an event such as a date or a meeting.
FRAGRANCE NOTES
Fragrances are usually made up of three distinct scales. The top notes are the scents you smell when you first spray the cologne. The top notes are the lightest, so they dissipate soon after application. Some common top notes include citrus (e.g. lemon), herbs (e.g. sage), and light fruits (e.g. grapefruit). Heart notes are the middle notes. They transition in as the top notes disappear. They are the main scent of the cologne and are often a well-rounded combination of floral tones infused with oils and spices. Popular heart tones include jasmine, geranium, and nutmeg. Base notes are the rich notes that remain after all other notes have disappeared. The base notes mix with the heart notes to create the full body of the cologne. The function of a base note is to provide a lasting impression. Examples of popular base notes include musk, sandalwood, and oakmoss.
Perfume for Men: PRICES
When it comes to fragrances, price isn’t always a measure of quality. It is possible to buy a solid scent that works for your body type and smells great without breaking the bank. In most cases, even the most expensive colognes have ingredients that only make up for less than five percent of the total cost. Cologne prices are influenced by the quality of ingredients, artisanship, packaging, exclusivity, and branding. That said, it is difficult to decide on what’s a fair price when shopping for colognes. The best considerations should be your budget, how the different notes smell on your skin, and the oil concentration. Looks like it’s time to sniff through the bestselling and best smelling colognes for men!
Best Smelling Cologne for Men: Conclusion
A good men’s cologne is the perfect finishing touch to your personal style. But with so many scents available, it can be tricky picking out a signature scent. Luckily, our guide shows you what to look for, and identifies some of the best smelling and best selling colognes for men. Did we feature your signature scent? What are some of the other best colognes for men you can recommend? Leave us a comment below!
