Finding The Perfect Cologne: A Guide To Choosing The Best

Choosing the best cologne can be a daunting task, with so many options available. The right fragrance can make all the difference in attracting the attention of those around you, but with countless options, it can be challenging to find the perfect scent.

Colognes can be categorised by their notes, wearability, and shelf appeal. Notes refer to the individual scent ingredients or aromas that make up a fragrance, while wearability relates to the longevity of the scent throughout the day. Finally, shelf appeal refers to the design of the bottle.

When selecting a cologne, it is important to consider your unique style and preferences. Some popular cologne options include fresh, woody, amber, and floral scents. Additionally, factors such as the concentration of the fragrance and the quality of the ingredients used can impact the overall experience.

Ultimately, the best cologne for you will be one that suits your personality and enhances your desirability.

Woody fragrances

Terre d'Hermes Parfum by Hermes

This fragrance has an addictive woody and spicy accord with notes of vetiver, flint, and base notes of oak moss. It is long-lasting and affordable, making it a great choice for those looking for a signature scent.

Masculin Pluriel by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

This fragrance combines lavender, patchouli, vetiver, and wood for a perfectly balanced and long-lasting scent. It is soft yet potent and is a great choice for those who want to smell expensive.

Gentleman Society by Givenchy

This creamy and vanilla-scented fragrance is aromatic and woody, with notes of cardamom, sage, vetiver, vanilla, palo santo, and cedar. It is a unique and stand-out fragrance, perfect for everyday wear.

Endymion by Penhaligon's

Endymion has a unique combination of lavender, coffee, and woody base notes, creating a fresh and alluring scent. It has great projection and longevity, making it an excellent choice for mature gentlemen.

Bleu Noir for Him Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez

This fragrance is uncomplicated and sexy, with notes of vetiver, amber, cedar, and citrus. It has excellent performance and longevity, making it a versatile choice for day or night.

Wonderwood by Comme Des Garcons

Wonderwood is an extremely spicy fragrance with notes of vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, and cypress. It is a distinctive and great-performing scent, perfect for everyday wear.

Bleu de Chanel by Chanel

This woody fragrance by Chanel is fresh and masculine, with notes of citrus, cedar, and sandalwood. It can easily transition from day to night, making it a versatile choice.

Oud Wood by Tom Ford

Oud Wood is an elegant and sophisticated fragrance inspired by natural elements. It combines classic woody notes with vanilla for an unexpected edge. It is a great addition to any fragrance collection.

1 Million Intense by Paco Rabanne

This cult-favorite fragrance is complex and classic, with spicy undertones and oriental compositions. It has strong and unexpected notes, making it perfect for evenings when you want something distinctive and deep.

Gucci Guilty

Gucci Guilty is a modern and versatile fragrance with notes of lavender, lemon, pink pepper, cedar, sandalwood, and amber. It is a well-balanced and wearable scent, perfect for both day and night.

Bois d'Argent by Dior

This unisex fragrance is smoky and powdery, giving it a sultry and mysterious character. It is a great choice for those who want something unique and memorable.

Citrus fragrances

• Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum: This fragrance will transport you to the Italian Riviera with its notes of neroli, Italian bergamot, and Sicilian lemon. It is fresh, vibrant, and a favourite of perfumer Erwan Raguenes.
• Clive Christian 150th Anniversary Timeless Cologne: This cologne comes in a magnificent bottle, and its fragrance notes include rich ginger, sharp lime, and English lavender, creating a balanced and unique scent.
• Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne: A fresh and bright citrusy scent with natural notes of lemon, bergamot, and patchouli. It is an excellent everyday fragrance.
• Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum: An iconic fragrance with notes of citrus, spice, wood, amber, and florals. It is long-lasting and versatile, suitable for any occasion.
• Santa Maria Novella Medici Garden Bizzarria Eau de Parfum: An unusual citrus scent inspired by an extinct fruit-bearing plant. It is a little sweet, a little crisp, and completely mysterious, with a fresh top note that dries down to a base of cedarwood.
• Louis Vuitton Pacific Chill: A West Coast-inspired fragrance that is not your typical citrus scent. It opens with a burst of fresh citrus (citron, orange, and lemon) and other notes like carrot, mint, and basil, awakening your senses.
• Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme: A masculine scent with vetiver, ginger, and bergamot, creating an elegant finish.
• Hermès Eau d'Orange Verte: This cologne dates back to the '70s and is inspired by morning dew. The combination of mint, tree moss, and orange is sharp, bright, and fresh.
• Claus Porto Musgo Real Orange Amber: A true citrus fragrance with lemon and orange blossom, along with amber, musk, and petitgrain, creating a light and clean scent.
• Parfums de Marly Perseus Eau de Parfum: A fan favourite with notes of bergamot, grapefruit, and blackcurrant bud. It is expertly blended, striking a perfect balance between fruity and woody notes.
• Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette: A popular and versatile fragrance with notes of citrus, resin, and sandalwood. It evokes happy memories and is often associated with youth and happiness.

Aromatic fragrances

• Laboratorio Olfattivo Cozumel Eau de Parfum: This fragrance captures the soul of Mexico by blending the aromas of fragrant plants with the scent of male skin and the untamed air of a remote island.
• Lorenzo Pazzaglia Esco Pazzo Extrait de Parfum: This fragrance revisits the classic structure of fougère perfumes, enriching it with aromatic notes, oriental nuances, and amber tones. Over fifty raw materials come together to create a unique scent.
• Orto Parisi Viride Extrait de Parfum: Inspired by childhood memories of life in the garden, this fragrance evokes the aromas of the earth, body, animals, and herbs. Viride features herbaceous and woody green notes, along with hay and lavender to create a relaxing and gentle scent.
• D.S. & Durga Burning Barbershop Eau de Parfum: This fragrance evokes the image of a barber shop on fire, with shaving tonics burning and releasing their scents. The fragrance includes notes of lime, lavender, rose, mint, and vanilla.
• Simone Andreoli Ocean of a Midnight Moon Eau de Parfum: Inspired by a mysterious night sea caressed by moonlight, this fragrance enchants the senses with its refinement and a rich, seductive melody of marine nuances and aromatic flashes of fresh mint.

Fresh fragrances

Diptyque Eau de Minthé EDP

Vibe: Showering at a 5-star hotel

Key Notes: Mint, geranium, patchouli

According to GQ, no scent is fresher than this cologne. Wearing it is like stepping out of the best shower of your life and wrapping yourself in the plushest robe. It might be a bit too buoyant for some, but it's perfect for those who want to feel refreshed and luxurious.

Claus Porto Musgo Real Alto Mar EDT

Vibe: Sailing around Cape Cod

Key Notes: Cashmere wood, absinthe, calone/marine note, mint

This cologne by Claus Porto captures the essence of an ocean breeze. It's an excellent choice for those who want to feel fresh and sophisticated. The scent is easy yet sophisticated, making it perfect for those who want to feel relaxed yet polished.

Jo Malone London Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne

Key Notes: Bergamot, cucumber, vanilla, musk

This unique cologne from Jo Malone London is a fresh take on the traditional Earl Grey tea fragrance. The addition of cucumber gives it a cool and refreshing twist, while the bergamot and musk add depth and warmth. It's an excellent choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd.

Chanel Bleu de Chanel EDT

Key Notes: Citrus accord, labdanum, sandalwood, cedar

Chanel's Bleu de Chanel is a versatile cologne that can be worn during the day or at night. The zesty grapefruit note adds a touch of brightness to the earthy and woody base, making it an excellent choice for those who want to feel sophisticated and refreshed.

Acqua di Parma Colonia

Key Notes: Lemon, sweet orange, Calabrian bergamot, lavender, Bulgarian rose, Verbena, rosemary, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli

Acqua di Parma's Colonia is a fresh and citrusy scent that suits any occasion. With key notes of lemon, bergamot, lavender, and patchouli, it's like a tall glass of orange juice. It's an excellent choice for those who want to feel refreshed and elegant.

Spicy fragrances

If you're looking for a spicy fragrance, there are two main types to choose from: fresh citrus or warm amber with cacao. Here are some of the best spicy fragrances for men:

Free d'Homme by CoSTUME NATIONAL

A unique and affordable blend of citrus and amber with top notes of lime and lemon, and base notes of incense and labdanum. This fragrance is perfect for cold winter days and offers great performance with longevity of more than 6 hours and strong projection.

Bonne Chauffe by Frapin

This cologne offers a photorealistic bourbon, cognac, and whisky scent, perfect for older gentlemen. While it can be worn by those under 40, it is best suited for evening events and formal occasions. The notes of plum and oak are the most prominent, with a faint whiff of pepper oil and a rich, ever-present vetiver. This fragrance has great performance, with longevity of more than 6 hours and strong projection.

Écrin de Fumée by Serge Lutens

This fragrance is a return to form for Serge Lutens, with layers of smoke, rum, and tobacco over cocoa notes. It's less traditional than other spicy fragrances and is perfect for special occasions. The cocoa notes are unlike any others, with outstanding longevity of more than 8 hours and strong projection.

L'Eau d'Issey pour Homme Vetiver by Issey Miyake

This is a great everyday option for the colder months, with a balance of spicy vetiver, ginger, and warm sage. It's also vegan and made from mostly natural origins. However, it suffers from poor longevity, fading to a skin scent after just 1-2 hours.

Bad Boy Dazzling Garden by Carolina Herrera

A well-rounded fragrance perfect for everyday wear, with a sage-heavy middle balanced by pepper and bergamot. While it has great projection, it also suffers from poor longevity, lasting only about 4 hours on the skin.

Althaïr by Parfums de Marly

A unique, niche, and luxurious blend of booze, vanilla, and musky wood. While it has good performance, with longevity of more than 4 hours, it could be longer at this price point. It's a great option for special occasions and can be worn morning to night.

Gentleman Society Extreme by Givenchy

A well-priced, long-lasting fragrance with a nice musky spice. It's a great all-around option that can be worn in the office, at home, or at formal events. It has impressive longevity, with more than 10 hours of good projection.

Bleu Noir Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez

This fragrance has a soft warm spice that comes through after drying down, balanced by bergamot and cypress. It's not a spice bomb but is a perennial favourite. It has great performance, with longevity of more than 6 hours and strong projection.

Other notable mentions include:

• Paco Rabanne Pour Homme
• Antaeus by Chanel
• Tom Ford Noir Extreme
• Dolce & Gabbana The One

Frequently asked questions