Antonio Mcgowan
Choosing a cologne is a very personal decision, and what is considered manly can vary from person to person. However, there are some fragrances that are widely considered to be masculine due to their rich and spicy notes, as well as their woody, musky, and citrusy accents.
Some popular colognes that are often described as manly include:
- Diesel Only The Brave: A bright and woody fragrance with notes of citrus, herbs, and wood, making it perfect for daily wear.
- Hugo Boss The Scent: A seductive and mysterious fragrance with notes of ginger, leather, and African Maninka fruit.
- Creed Viking: A fresh and spicy fragrance with notes of vetiver and cedarwood, described as a more sophisticated version of Old Spice.
- Ralph Lauren Polo Black: A unique and versatile fragrance with notes of juicy iced mango, silver armoise, patchouli noir, and tonka bean.
- Christian Dior Sauvage: A modern and masculine fragrance with notes of citrus, amber, and wood, said to be a favourite among women.
- Yves Saint Laurent Kouros: A fougere fragrance with bright citrus top notes and an irresistible lavender heart, grounded with masculine patchouli and leather.
- Gucci Guilty: A retro fragrance with notes of chili pepper, orange blossom, French lavender, and cedarwood.
These colognes offer a range of scent profiles, from fresh and citrusy to deep and spicy, but all embody a distinct sense of masculinity that is sure to make a lasting impression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Woody | Cedar, Sandalwood, Amber, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Cedarwood, Sand, Amberwood |
| Citrus | Bergamot, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Orange, Lime, Orange Blossom |
| Spicy | Ginger, Pepper, Clove, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Saffron, Chili Pepper |
| Musk | Musk, Ambergris, Amber |
| Aromatic | Lavender, Coriander, Rosemary, Basil, Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Neroli, Tonka Bean, Petitgrain, Vetiver, Orris Root |
| Fougere | Lavender, Clary Sage, Geranium |
| Floral | Rose, Freesia, Jasmine, Violet, Iris, Orange Blossom |
| Oriental | Tobacco, Vanilla, Cacao, Dried Fruits, Amber, Woody Notes, Sandalwood, Kulfi |
| Aquatic | Aquatic Notes, Bergamot, Violet Leaves, Fig Leaf, Grapefruit, Juniper, Musk |
| Leather | Leather, Suede |
| Sweet | Caramel, Toffee, Amber, Vanilla, Almond, Tonka Bean, Honey, Tobacco |
| Fresh | Mint, Citrus, Bergamot, Coriander, Basil, Green Notes, Watery Notes, Woody Notes |
Woody fragrances
Terre d'Hermes Parfum by Hermes
An excellent choice for those seeking an addictive woody and spicy fragrance. This cologne has a strong initial projection, so a little goes a long way. It offers good longevity, with a scent that dries down to firm notes of vetiver, flint, and base notes of oak moss. It's a popular choice among fragrance collectors and is known for its earthy and spicy accord.
Masculin Pluriel by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
This cologne combines fresh and woody notes, a challenging feat achieved by one of the world's top fragrance houses. It has soft yet long-lasting performance, with a scent that is both potent and expensive-smelling. Masculin Pluriel features notes of lavender, patchouli, vetiver, and wood, creating a perfectly balanced fragrance. It is a luxurious choice with excellent projection and longevity.
Gentleman Society by Givenchy
A creamy and vanilla-scented cologne with a twist of mint and sage to prevent it from being too sweet. This fragrance is enduring, with vanilla essence lasting throughout the wearing experience. It offers a unique blend of cardamom, French narcissus, two varieties of vetiver, vanilla, palo santo, and cedar. Gentleman Society is a mature and aromatic choice, perfect for those seeking a signature scent.
Endymion by Penhaligon's
Endymion offers excellent projection and silage, with a longevity of around 4 hours on the skin. It has a fresh scent, achieved through the interplay of lavender and coffee, balanced by woody base notes. This cologne is ideal for older gentlemen who prefer a non-citrusy fragrance. It has commendable performance, with longevity of 4-6 hours on the skin and slightly longer on clothes.
Other notable woody fragrances for men include:
- Philosykos by Diptyque: A luxurious fig accord with notes of coconut and woody cedar.
- Les Roches Noires by Moncler: A unique fragrance with a leather and woody base, perfect for special occasions.
- Wonderwood by Comme Des Garcons: An extremely woody scent with notes of vetiver, sandalwood, and cypress.
- James by Atkinsons: A classic scent with a strong masculine character, featuring notes of patchouli, musk, wood, and vetiver.
- Wood Essence by Bvlgari Man: A beautiful play between wood resin and citrus, ideal for those who like vetiver.
- Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford: A supremely masculine fragrance featuring three types of vetiver, perfect for special occasions.
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Aromatic colognes
Aromatic fragrances are centred on herbaceous notes such as lavender, mint, rosemary, and sage. They are often combined with citrusy and spicy notes. Aromatic fragrances are typically designed for men and are described as ruggedly masculine, with a natural, handsome, and refined character.
- Aramis: a refined, herbal fragrance with notes of absinthe, sage, woods, and leather.
- Wander Through the Parks: a green, unisex fragrance with notes of violet leaf, grapefruit, galbanum, and nettles.
- Match Point by Lacoste: a fresh, sporty fragrance with notes of basil, gentian, and vetiver.
- Memoir Man by Amouage: a cold, austere fragrance with notes of absinthe, mint, frankincense, leather, and moss.
- Eight & Bob Original: a handsome, effortless fragrance with notes of spices, violet leaves, and woods.
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Citrus colognes
Blu Atlas Atlantis
This cologne has a crisp fragrance profile with bergamot and lemon as the top notes. These bright, energizing scents are balanced by blackcurrant, clary sage, and lavender in the middle. The base notes of violet, orris, oakmoss, ambrette seed, and musk add depth and warmth to the fragrance. Atlantis is known for its long-lasting scent and smooth transition from day to night and across seasons. It is also vegan and cruelty-free.
World of Chris Collins Citrus Grandis
Citrus Grandis is a unisex fragrance with a bright and lively scent. The top notes include pomelo, yuzu, and cedrat, providing a sparkling, zesty layer. The middle notes are woody and fruity, with blackcurrant and verbena adding a citrus brightness. The base notes add warmth and depth with sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, incense, and musk. The classic white and copper flask-shaped bottle is inspired by 1920s speakeasy flasks.
Clinique Happy for Men
Happy for Men has a cool, crisp, and refreshing scent. The top notes include zesty citrus aromas of mandarin orange, kaffir lime, calamansi, and lemon, along with green notes. The middle notes are floral, including jasmine, freesia, rose, and lily-of-the-valley. The base notes are woody, with cypress, cedar, guaiac wood, and musk. This affordable cologne is suitable for various occasions and can be worn daily.
Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Bergamotto di Calabria
This eau de toilette is inspired by the coast of Calabria, Italy. The top notes feature bergamot and citron, while the middle notes add spice and woodiness with red ginger and cedarwood. The base notes of musk, vetiver, and sweet benzoin provide warmth and earthiness. It is a subtle and uplifting scent that makes an impression without being overpowering. The bold art deco bottle reflects the deep blue color of the Italian sea.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Celestia
Aqua Celestia is a unisex fragrance with a long-lasting citrus scent. The top notes include lime, neroli, blackcurrant, and mint, while the middle notes are fresh and floral with mimosa, rose, and greens. The base note of white musk adds warmth and softness to the fragrance. The clean and classic square bottle has a simple silver cap.
Byredo Sunday Cologne
This cologne combines citrus with spice and herbs for an irresistible aroma. The key citrus note is bergamot, complemented by cardamom, star anise, geranium, lavender, vetiver, moss, and patchouli. The result is a sophisticated fragrance suitable for any day of the week. The scent has good longevity, and the minimalist bottle is a signature of the Byredo brand.
Calvin Klein CK One
CK One is a unisex, iconic, and timeless citrus cologne. The top notes include citrusy bergamot, lemon, and mandarin, along with pineapple, cardamom, and papaya. The middle notes add a mellow green fragrance with jasmine, violet, rose, and nutmeg. The base notes of musk and amber warm up the fragrance. CK One is offered at an affordable price and is a great choice for a daily, budget-friendly cologne.
Le Labo Bergamote 22
Bergamote 22 is an ode to the unique and multifaceted nature of bergamot. It has the right amount of tartness and pairs perfectly with the bitterness of grapefruit. The fragrance then mellows into the green, floral aroma of petitgrain. The dark, woody finish of vetiver, amber, and musk lasts for hours on the skin.
Maison Margiela REPLICA Under the Lemon Trees
Under the Lemon Trees is a bright and sunny unisex fragrance. The top note is a zesty and slightly bitter calamansi lime accord, layered with spicy cardamom and sweet and woody petitgrain. The middle notes include aromatic green coriander, herbal mate absolute, and green tea extract. The base notes are woody and dry, with Virginian cedarwood, musk, and cistus absolute. This EDT has impressive longevity and leaves a fresh scent on the skin throughout the day.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Acqua di Giò Eau de Toilette
This fresh and aquatic fragrance combines citrus with earthy and woody notes. The top notes include Calabrian bergamot, neroli, and green tangerine, each providing a unique zesty layer. The middle notes are floral with jasmine and rock rose, paired with herby rosemary. The base notes include sweet persimmon and Indonesian patchouli, grounding the bright fragrance. The matte, frosted glass bottle is bold yet subtle.
Clean Reserve Acqua Neroli
Acqua Neroli is a unique, sustainable, vegan, and cruelty-free citrus fragrance. The top notes feature Brazilian mandarin oil, bergamot, and Sicilian orange. The middle notes add floral nuances with neroli, jasmine, and orange blossom. The base notes warm up the fragrance with acqua musk, ambrette, and amber. This eau de parfum can be layered with other Reserve scents to create unique fragrance profiles.
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Spicy colognes
Best Spicy Colognes
There are many spicy colognes to choose from, but here are some of the best options:
- Dior Sauvage Elixir Parfum: This cologne is a more concentrated version of the original Sauvage, with top notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom. It's suitable for daily wear and is ideal if you're heading to a rock concert after work.
- Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L'Homme: This elegant and spicy cologne has become one of the most popular men's fragrances since its debut in 2009. It's the ultimate masculine nighttime scent, with cardamom at the top note, tempered with lavender, Virginia cedar, and bergamot at the heart, and a base of herbal vetiver and spicy coriander.
- Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau de Parfum: This cologne is all about spice, with a hit of black pepper on the top note and a double dose of cinnamon and cumin in the heart, along with a base of tobacco, woody amber, and black vanilla. It's an ultra-spicy scent perfect for a hot date.
- Kilian Smoking Hot Eau de Parfum: A sexy and mysterious scent that will definitely make people stop and take notice. It features notes of Kentucky tobacco absolute, apple hookah, bourbon vanilla, and cinnamon bark.
- Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum: While this fragrance doesn't contain any specific spices, its sharp pine needles and smoky incense give it a spicy kick. It has a crisp, woody presence with a base of atlas cedar, Himalayan cedar, and Virginia cedar, punched up with incense and pine.
- Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum: This iconic cologne oozes sex appeal, with smooth, warm vanilla mixed with smoky tobacco. The spicy notes at the top, including ginger, amp up the volume and take the fragrance into strong, masculine territory.
- Acqua di Parma Signatures Of The Sun Zafferano Eau de Parfum: This unexpectedly spicy scent combines florals (jasmine, geranium, rose, orange blossom) with vanilla, tonka bean, and patchouli at the base. The crisp top note of coriander adds a sultry spice that lingers on the skin, providing warmth and depth.
- Astier de Villatte Le Dieu Bleu Eau de Parfum: This ultra-niche fragrance is supposed to be a recreation of the oldest perfume in the world from Ancient Egypt. It has esoteric notes of myrrh, lentisk, and calamus, creating a sunny, warm, herbal, and spicy scent. The spice is understated yet gives the fragrance a humming undertone of worldliness.
- Free d'Homme by CoSTUME NATIONAL: A unique blend of citrus and amber, with top notes of lime, lemon, and saffron, and a base of incense and labdanum. It's long-lasting, affordable, and has excellent projection, although it should be used sparingly as it can be quite potent.
- Bonne Chauffe by Frapin: A photorealistic bourbon, cognac, and whisky scent with notes of plum and oak. It's rich, delicious, and ultra-masculine, perfect for special occasions and formal events.
- Bleu Noir Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez: A soft, warm spice comes through as the scent dries down, balanced by top notes of mandarin, musk, and suede. It's not a spice bomb but a subtle and toned-down fragrance that can be worn every day.
Types of Spicy Colognes
- Fresh citrus: These colognes feature spices like pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.
- Warm amber with cacao: These colognes have a more masculine accord and are typically reserved for autumn and winter.
Whether you're looking for a fresh and spicy fragrance or something warmer and more intense, there's a spicy cologne out there to suit your taste and preferences.
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Leather colognes
Leather fragrances are not made from natural leather, but are instead a product of perfumers' synthetic wizardry. They are often blended with notes of tobacco, wood, and spices, and sometimes sweetened with vanilla and chocolate.
Tom Ford Ombré Leather
This fragrance is a pure expression of leather, with fewer notes to distract from the star of the show. It's a little more subtle than the also-excellent Tuscan Leather.
Bianco Profumo "Cherry Leather"
This cologne combines leather with cherry and musk. It's polite enough for the workplace, but sexy for after-hours, and can be worn all year round.
Ferragamo "Spicy Leather Parfum Pour Homme"
This cologne combines leather with black pepper, nutmeg, and saffron. It's a smooth, warm, and rousing scent, perfect for date night.
AllSaints "Leather Skies"
Like a leather jacket, this cologne is best kept for the fall and winter. It blends leather with sandalwood, pepper, and frankincense.
Dior "Fahrenheit"
This is a classic cologne, marrying leather with woody, powdery, and spicy notes. It's suitable for day or night, all year round.
Malin + Goetz "Eau de Parfums Vegan & Cruelty-Free"
This scent combines leather with sandalwood, cedar, violet, and pepper. It's a little less sensual than some of the others, giving the wearer swagger without the sensuality.
Bulgari "Man in Black"
This is a suave evening-only cologne, blending leather with tobacco, rum, and tonka.
Roja "Fetish Pour Homme"
This is an intense parfum, with a high concentration of playful, spicy, musky, and resinous notes, alongside the leather.
Valentino "Uomo"
This is a low-key, cozy scent, with leather cut through with food-centric notes of hazelnut, coffee, and chocolate.
Byredo Bibliothèque
This cologne was originally a candle, but was so popular it was turned into a wearable fragrance. It has fruity top notes of peach and plum, a floral heart, and a base of patchouli, leather, and vanilla.
Avon Black Suede
A great budget option, this simple cologne opens with a fresh citrus bergamot, before giving way to soft suede and oakmoss.
Floris Mahon Leather
An old-school, gentlemanly fragrance, inspired by Mahón, the birthplace of the founder of this heritage brand. It features jasmine, iris, saffron, leather, amber, French labdanum, musk, tonka bean, patchouli, and sandalwood.
Memo Russian Leather
This cologne is inspired by a Siberian forest, with a fern note, and herbal and green facets of lavender, rosemary, and mint, alongside the gentle, soothing leather.
Dior Leather Oud
A bold and uncompromising fragrance, with a dynamic between leather and oud, smoke, amberwood, birch, patchouli, and sandalwood.
Vilhelm Parfumerie Morning Chess
Opening with bergamot, this cologne also features resinous galbanum and a masculine leather note, with a deep, earthy drydown of patchouli.
Jo Loves Smoked Plum & Leather
A non-gender-specific fragrance, inspired by riding horses in Montana in summer. It combines sweet plum liquor, crushed cinnamon, smoked cedarwood, and supple bridle leather.
Acqua Di Parma Signatures Of The Sun Leather
This cologne blends the brand's signature Colonia scent with leather, resins, and oils such as birchwood and cedarwood.
Chanel Les Exclusifs Cuir De Russie
Created in 1924, this is one of the most historically referenced leather-based fragrances. It includes birchwood, jasmine, aldehydes, rose, ylang-ylang, blonde tobacco, and cystus labdanum, with a base of smoky, animalistic dark leather.
Salvatore Ferragamo Intense Leather
A confident, modern interpretation of masculinity, this cologne opens with mandarin and pink peppercorn, before revealing a heart of apple, lily of the valley, and orris. The dry-down includes oakmoss, musk, and a salty leather accord.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best manly colognes include Diesel Only The Brave, Creed Viking, and Ralph Lauren Polo Black.
Popular manly scents include musk, patchouli, vetiver, tobacco, leather, and woods like cedar, amber, and sandal.
Some affordable manly colognes include Hugo Boss The Scent, Ralph Lauren Polo Black, and Christian Dior Sauvage.
