Anisha Riggs
When the temperature rises, it's time to swap out your cologne for something a little lighter and fresher. While you can wear the same cologne all year round, it's more fun to switch it up and choose a scent that matches the season. The best summer colognes are light, citrusy, aquatic, and floral – think fresh and clean.
Look for ingredients such as bergamot, juniper, and jasmine, and avoid woody and musky notes, which are better suited to cooler weather.
- Issey Miyake L'eau D'issey Eau de Toilette
- Calvin Klein Eternity for Men Aqua
- Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profondo
- Hugo Boss Selection
- Nautica Blue
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
- Tom Ford Costa Azzurra Acqua
- Anthony 1 Eau de Parfum
- Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette
- Creed Aventus
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Winter |
| Notes | Wood, spice, vetiver, cocoa, coffee, bourbon, citrus, floral, vanilla, amber, oud, tobacco, musk, cinnamon, clove, sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, ginger, lavender, bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin, jasmine, neroli, cardamom, orchid, rose, pine, leather, labdanum, tonka bean, benzoin, ambergris, incense, oakmoss, violet, rosemary, nutmeg, pink pepper, thyme, cypress, vetiver, olibanum, oakmoss, geranium, rosemary, blackcurrant bud, damascus rose, patchouli, oud, cypriol, yellow sandalwood, vanilla, tobacco leaf, cacao, tonka bean, dried fruits, woody notes, juniper, pink pepper, vetiver, leather, amber, saffron, nutmeg, lavender, patchouli, musk, violet, rose, oud, vanilla, benzoin, clove, cinnamon, apple, cashmere wood, orris, labdanum, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, cedarwood, vanilla, birchwood, tonka bean, bergamot, pepper, lavender, vetiver, patchouli, ambroxan, cedar, labdanum, grapefruit, mandarin, pink peppercorn, geranium, cedar, star anise, musk, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, bergamot, mandarin, grapefruit, juniper, rosemary, Sichuan pepper, rosemary, cedar, patchouli, vetiver, musk, oak, bergamot, sea notes, cardamom, rosemary, lavender, cypress, vetiver, musk, incense, oak moss, cucumber, citrus, lotus, plum, lavender, Sichuan pepper, sandalwood, patchouli, musk, Calabrian lemon Primofiore, pink peppercorn, Guatemalan cardamom, French lavender, Haitian vetiver, pine, ambrox, amber, musk, Darjeeling tea, ginger, black tea, guaiac wood, white musk, ambrette, citruses, pepper, orange blossom, iris, musk, amber, bergamot, sea notes, lemon, pink pepper, shiso, rosemary, cedarwood, musk, absinthe, grapefruit, mint, lavender, cypress, patchouli, cypress, amberwood, Calabrian bergamot, coffee, vetiver, pear, herbal notes, ambrette, citruses, apple, moss, jasmine, Iso E Super, Cetalox, Ambrettolide, Helvetolide, citruses, lemon, mandarin orange, bergamot, basil, allspice, cumin, musk, cedarwood, lemon, <co: |
Woody notes
Woody fragrances are derived from wood materials such as trees, roots, resins, moss, and some leaves and grasses that hold earthy qualities. Woody fragrances are versatile and can be worn all year round, but they are particularly well-suited to colder months due to their rich, warm, and earthy character.
When it comes to warmer places, woody fragrances can be worn, but they are not ideal for very hot climates. Instead, opt for something fresh and fruity. Woody fragrances are typically associated with autumn and winter, evoking the scents of the changing seasons, such as decaying leaves, bonfires, and the aroma of spices.
Paco Rabanne 1 Million Intense
A cult favourite, this scent is complex yet classic, with spicy undertones and oriental compositions. It features notes of blood mandarin, cardamom, black pepper, and saffron, paired with rose, neroli, and cinnamon. The base notes include white leather, orris root, patchouli, and sandalwood, lending a musky, woody appeal. This fragrance is perfect for evenings when you want something distinctive and full of depth.
Tom Ford Oud Wood
This scent is inspired by nature, featuring classic woody notes of sandalwood, patchouli, and oud, blended with unexpected notes like vanilla. It is a more sophisticated and complex take on the typical woody fragrance, making it ideal for those who want something unique yet still grounded in nature.
Givenchy Gentlemen Only Casual Chic
This fragrance is a fresher and lighter take on the typical warmth of a woody scent. It has top notes of cardamom, juniper, and ginger, middle notes of birch and cedar, and base notes of sandalwood and ambroxan. Its faint powder blue liquid colour indicates its freshness, making it perfect for daywear when you want something more subtle and relaxed.
Armani Eau D’Aromes
This woody fragrance from Giorgio Armani has strong citrus elements, with top notes of bergamot and mandarin. It also features middle notes of ginger and patchouli, and base notes of cardamom, sage, and vetiver. The fragrance has an amber tone, housed in a simple clear bottle with a shiny black cap, reflecting the brand's signature style.
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
A trendy and unisex fragrance, Santal 33 appeals to a wide range of tastes with its rich, spicy scent. It has warm notes of cardamom, violet accord, iris, and ambrox, and a base of cedarwood, sandalwood, and leather. This fragrance is versatile, suitable for both day and night, and its popularity makes it a safe choice for those wanting to dip their toes into the world of woody fragrances.
Kilian Sacred Wood Eau de Parfum
This warm cologne celebrates sandalwood, one of the most iconic woods in men's perfumery. It is
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Spicy scents
If you're looking for a spicy cologne to wear in a warmer place, try Free d'Homme by CoSTUME NATIONAL. This cologne is super spicy, with cinnamon and fresh spice notes. It's a unique fragrance, so be warned if you're looking for a safe blind buy. The performance is outstanding, with more than six hours of longevity on the skin. Projection is very strong, and it sticks to clothes, so be careful not to spray too much—two to four sprays should be enough. This cologne is best suited to older gentlemen and special occasions, rather than daily wear or for younger gentlemen.
Another option is Terre d'Hermès by Hermès, which balances zesty grapefruit with peppery middle notes and woody base notes. It's a unique yet pleasant scent that can be worn daily and is suitable for all occasions. It has great performance, with more than eight hours of longevity on the skin and even more on clothes. Projection is bang-on for a professional men's cologne—it won't scent-bomb a room, but it will get you noticed in a crowd. This cologne is heavily masculine and a touch old-school, so it's best suited to men older than 18.
For a spicy fragrance that's suitable for all ages, Bleu Noir Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez is a great option. It's a wearable, versatile scent that can be worn every day and for all occasions, from casual get-togethers to office work and dinner parties. It's a cool, creamy, musky, and powdery scent with notes of iris, cream, musk, and powder. Performance is top-notch, with four to six hours of longevity on the skin and just as much on clothes. Projection is a little soft, so you'll need around six sprays across your wrists and neck to get the most out of it.
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Citrusy fragrances
Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani
This fresh and energetic fragrance blends crisp citrus notes with deep floral elements and masculine scents like musk and cedar. It's bold, refreshing, and exotic without feeling overwhelming. It has excellent sillage and is ideal if you want to avoid overpowering scents.
Luna Rossa Ocean by Prada
This stylish fragrance has fresh and fruity top notes of bergamot, pink pepper, and artemisia. As the day goes on, herbal and bold notes of sage and suede emerge, followed by traditional masculine base notes. It's a bold and crisp fragrance, perfect for young men, but versatile enough for anyone seeking a clean scent.
The One for Men by Dolce & Gabbana
This warm and spicy cologne has woody notes with a grapefruit top note, adding elegance and sophistication. With its oriental feel and lasting sillage, it's an excellent choice for special occasions.
Classic Eau de Toilette for Men by Nautica
This is a pleasant mix of citrus and earthy notes, feeling fresh, tangy, and masculine, with plenty of warmth and woodiness. Its delicate notes are discreet and easy to get used to, making it ideal for those new to wearing fragrances. Plus, it's affordable.
Chrome Extreme by Azzaro
This scent combines sandalwood, a common base note that feels warm and spicy, with fresh citrus. The result is a crisp and energising fragrance that retains its masculine qualities. It's an ideal lightweight summertime scent, making you feel like a million bucks.
Dylan Blue Pour Homme by Versace
This cologne captures the unique earthy scent of mineral musk, contrasted with oriental notes like papyrus wood and black pepper. It's a sophisticated scent for men who want a modern and versatile musk cologne. It's especially ideal for the colder months.
Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche
This iconic fragrance has delicate herbal and citrus notes and is perfect for all-day wear. It will keep you smelling great whether you're running errands, at the office, or out on the town. It has been known to turn heads and attract attention.
CK One by Calvin Klein
This contemporary Eau de Toilette is a unique gender-neutral scent with bold citrusy accents and crisp wood notes. It's been a favourite of both men and women since the 1990s. It's not too overpowering, so you can wear it every day without it becoming too much.
Touch by Burberry
This is a blend of citrus and spice, with notes of mandarin, cedarwood, nutmeg, and white pepper, creating a refreshing and invigorating scent. It's not too heavy or overpowering, making it perfect for warmer days when you don't want a heavy scent. It's ideal for any occasion, whether it's for the office or a weekend brunch.
Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior
This fragrance is a great option for autumn as it balances freshness and depth. The citrus notes give it a light and refreshing quality, perfect for warmer autumn days, while the woodsy and spicy notes provide a warm and cosy feel for cooler days. It has been a staple since the 1960s and remains popular among men under 50.
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Aquatic notes
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia
This cologne takes inspiration from the Mediterranean coast of Italy. It has key notes of jasmine, gardenia, and warm woods, creating a fresh and aquatic scent. The fragrance is designed to capture the essence of a soft sea breeze, blending cool mint, warm brown sugar, and Italian lemon.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Aqua Celestia Cologne Forte Eau de Parfum
This cologne is a light and dreamy fragrance, offering a refreshing and clean scent. It combines notes of bergamot, blackcurrant, jasmine, and mimosa, taking cues from both the sea and the sky. It is perfect for those seeking a crisp and aquatic fragrance.
Henry Rose Jake's House
Despite its unconventional name, this cologne delivers on its promise of "watery clean freshness." It blends honeyed neroli with light and clean musky notes, resulting in a unique aquatic scent. This fragrance is ideal for those who want a subtle aquatic aroma.
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
This cologne will make you feel like you're out on the open seas, with its key note of sea salt. It also includes earthy notes of sage and ambrette seeds, creating a well-rounded aquatic fragrance. This scent is perfect for those who want a balance of sea and land aromas.
Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day
As the name suggests, this cologne captures the spirit of sailing on the sea. It combines notes of aquatic accord, juniper essence, coriander, red seaweed essence, and rose super essence, resulting in a unique and memorable aquatic fragrance. This scent is perfect for those who want to be transported to a day on the water.
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum
This cologne will make you feel like you're on the Italian Riviera with its fresh and aquatic scent. It combines Tunisian neroli, Italian bergamot, and Sicilian lemon, creating a bright and invigorating fragrance. This scent is perfect for those who want to be whisked away to the Mediterranean coast.
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Floral colognes
English Laundry Oxford Bleu Eau de Parfum
This cologne is the perfect blend of bright fruit notes and strong floral scents of Iris and Geranium. It also has underlying notes of sandalwood, oakmoss, and Tonka Bean to add depth and keep it from feeling too feminine. This cologne is ideal for those who enjoy a fresh and vibrant scent profile. The only potential downside is that some may find it too bright, but if you're looking for a floral cologne, brightness is a good thing!
Cuba Prestige Classic Men EDT Spray
This cologne stands out with its unique cigar-themed bottle, embodying the Cuba brand. It delivers a masculine scent with a prominent Lavender middle note, capturing timeless masculinity. The best part? It's budget-friendly, so you won't break the bank by making it your daily go-to. The only drawback is that the 1.17-ounce bottle may run out quickly if you use it frequently.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian A La Rose Eau De Parfum
If you're looking for a luxurious floral cologne, this is the one for you. This cologne blends rose and wood fragrances in a delicate yet masculine way. The addition of grapefruit in the top notes gives it a unique twist. The only downside is the price—it's definitely a luxury option, and the 2.4-ounce bottle is quite small. But if you're willing to splurge, the scent is well worth it.
Atelier Cologne, Pomelo Paradis
This cologne is a vibrant, citrus-driven scent that celebrates citrus fruits along with Bulgarian rose, iris, and orange blossom. These floral notes take center stage, making it a refreshing and energizing choice. It's easily accessible on Amazon, especially if you have a Prime account. While it does lean heavily into citrus, the overall fragrance is vibrant and refreshing.
Tiziana Terenzi Kirke EDP
This Italian fragrance is a great unisex option that can be described as either floral or fruity. It has a strong and isolated Lily-of-the-Valley middle note that gives it a unique floral touch. However, some reviewers have noted that it can be a bit strong, so it may not be suitable for scent-unfriendly spaces like offices or hospitals.
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