Fresh Scents: Choosing The Best-Smelling Cologne

Finding the best fresh-smelling cologne can be a daunting task. The market is overflowing with options, from fruity and sweet top notes to woody or musky base notes. However, some fresh-smelling colognes stand out from the rest and have gained popularity among men.

One popular option is Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani, a classic aquatic fragrance with notes of bergamot, neroli, and green tangerine that transport you to a quiet Italian seaside town. Another well-liked cologne is Chanel Bleu de Chanel, which combines citrus, cedar, and sandalwood for a fresh and woody aroma. It's a versatile fragrance that can be worn during the day or at night. Dior Sauvage is also a crowd favourite, with its raw, fresh aromas and woody, earthy environment. These colognes offer a range of fresh and invigorating scents that are sure to impress.

Woody fragrances

Terre d'Hermes Parfum by Hermes

One of the best-smelling woody colognes for men, with an addictive earthy and spicy accord. The parfum option is preferable over the EDT as it has greater longevity. It has a strong initial projection, so it's important to be careful with how much you apply. The fragrance has a cult-like following among collectors, with notes of vetiver, flint, and base notes of oak moss that give it a longevity of 4-6 hours. It's a more affordable option that smells great and can often be found at a discount.

Masculin Pluriel by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

A fresh and woody fragrance, a difficult combination to achieve, and only achievable by one of the world's great fragrance houses. It has soft but long-lasting performance, with outstanding silage and projection of up to 3 meters. It's an expensive scent, but it smells expensive. The projection is said to be lacking as the lavender note is quite soft, and may not be smelt by some people. It's a great alternative to Baccarat Rouge 540, with a notable lack of spice, allowing the woody notes to play with the lavender heart.

Gentleman Society by Givenchy

A creamy and vanilla-scented fragrance without being too sweet, thanks to the mint and sage notes. It's a perfect everyday fragrance and is described as something a "good-looking man" would wear. It has an enduring vanilla essence and a unique, mature bubblegum-like scent. It's a great choice for men looking for something to wear every day, with a unique yet not too complex scent.

Endymion by Penhaligon's

Endymion has great projection and silage during the dry-down stage, with a longevity of 4 hours on the skin. It has a fresh scent, not in a citrusy sense, but more so due to the interplay between coffee and lavender that gives it a high-end department store scent. It's a great option for slightly older gentlemen who prefer a fresh, non-citrusy scent.

Philosykos by Diptyque

Philosykos has a luxurious fig accord that's balanced by coconut in the middle and woody cedar at the base. It has good projection for the price, as well as longevity, at around 4 hours on the skin. It's a hyper-realistic recreation of a ripe fig, with some reviewers finding it a little feminine. It's one of the more affordable options and stands out for its unique scent.

Les Roches Noires by Moncler

A unique fragrance with great value for money, featuring a boozy, leathery, and woody base. It has good longevity, at around 4-6 hours on the skin, and perfectly balanced projection with 4 sprays. Some may find the leathery and boozy notes too harsh and strong, so it's best reserved for special occasions. It's a smart and simple scent, with warm and sensual amber notes.

Wonderwood by Comme Des Garcons

If you're looking for a woody scent, Wonderwood is an extremely spicy yet creamy fragrance, great for everyday wear. It has great performance and scent on the skin, although for an expensive fragrance, it should last longer. It's a subtle scent that can often go unnoticed.

James by Atkinsons

A new and niche fragrance with an old-school, classic scent, featuring base notes of violet leaves and white flowers, and perfectly balanced florals with soft spice on the top by way of pink peppercorn. It has good longevity, at 4-6 hours, although more would be preferred for the price point. It's a great choice for older men who want a new and niche scent.

Wood Essence by Bvlgari Man

A lovely play between wood resin and citrus, with good performance for its price, at 4 hours on the skin. It's a great option for those who like vetiver, and its scent is rather inoffensive, making it suitable for all occasions.

Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford

A supremely masculine fragrance with excellent performance, at 6-8 hours. Three vetivers were used in its creation, giving it an epic luxury. It's a bold, clean, and citrusy scent, best reserved for date nights or evening cocktail events.

40 Knots by Xerjoff

A rich and potent fragrance that stays bright and fresh throughout the dry-down. It captures the essence of yacht clubs and Mediterranean beaches, with aquatic undertones of salt and seawater. It's a unique and niche woody cologne for a man of extreme class.

Bleu Noir for Him Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez

A sexy and subtle fragrance with sensual musk notes. It has outstanding performance, with longevity of more than 8 hours and arms-reach projection.

Gentleman Reserve Privée by Givenchy

A potent and long-lasting fragrance, perfect for a night out, with a similar vibe to Dior Homme Parfum. It has a complex array of woody, floral, and candied fruit notes, with good longevity and great projection.

Bowmakers by D.S. & DURGA

A perfect fragrance for autumn and winter, with a warm, cosy, and addictive scent. It's a traditionally masculine fragrance with high-quality ingredients. It has good longevity, at around 4-6 hours, and good silage and projection.

Other notable mentions include Encre Noire by Lalique, Armani Eau d'Aromes by Giorgio Armani, Guilty by Gucci, and Royal Oud by Creed.

Fresh fragrances

When it comes to fresh fragrances, there are a variety of options to choose from, ranging from light and airy scents to those that are more bold and invigorating. Here are some of the best fresh colognes for men that will leave you feeling confident and ready to take on the day:

• Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio: This classic fragrance has stood the test of time since its release in 1996. It's an earthy, ocean-inspired scent with notes of bergamot, neroli, green tangerine, rosemary, and patchouli. It's a perfect everyday scent that can be worn all year round.
• Chanel Bleu de Chanel: Chanel's bestseller is a fresh and woody blend of citrus, cedar, tonka bean, vanilla, and sandalwood. It's a versatile fragrance that can be worn during the day and transitions well into the night.
• Yves Saint Laurent Y: This signature fragrance from YSL is masculine and bold, with notes of citrus, sage, geranium, vetiver, apple, and tonka bean. It's a long-lasting scent that's perfect for seduction.
• Nautica Voyage: This affordable option from Nautica offers a subtle, fresh, and long-lasting scent. It combines green apple, cedar, and florals with a hint of cool water, making it a perfect choice for those who want something uncomplicated.
• Mugler AMen Fantasm: A unique blend of woody bergamot and sweet chocolate, this fragrance is alluring and can be worn at night. It offers excellent value for money and is perfect for those who want to stand out.
• Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne: This fragrance evokes a breezy day by the water with its woody and chilly notes. It's a toned-down aquatic scent, perfect for those who want something fresh yet sophisticated.
• Versace Eros: A combination of lemon, mandarin, mint, geranium, sage, amber, cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, and sandalwood, this fragrance is fresh and tropical. It's a versatile scent that can be worn during any season.
• Dior Sauvage: A woody and earthy fragrance with notes of pepper, amber wood, and bergamot, Dior Sauvage is a popular choice among men. It's a versatile scent that can be worn all year round.
• Acqua di Parma Colonia: This fresh and citrusy scent from Acqua di Parma is perfect for any occasion. It includes notes of lemon, bergamot, lavender, and patchouli, offering a refreshing experience.

These fresh fragrances offer a range of options to suit different preferences and occasions. Whether you're looking for something subtle and understated or bold and invigorating, there's a fresh cologne that's perfect for you.

Amber fragrances

Prada Intense Eau De Parfum Spray for Men, Amber

An intense and unique blend of amber, myrrh, and patchouli. It is described as warm, woody, and a bit spicy.

Halston Man Amber by Halston Eau De Toilette Spray

An inexpensive blend of oud, amber, and myrrh. It has a warm, sweet, and smoky aroma that is quite unique and different from the typical amber fragrances.

Amber Gold

A hard-to-find fragrance that combines mostly amber and sandalwood, giving it a dark and woody scent.

Amber Absolute by Tom Ford

A shame that it might be discontinued, but this fragrance is a beautiful distillation of smoky amber with a touch of sweet vanilla.

M7 By Yves Saint Laurent For Men Eau De Toilette Spray

A legendary fragrance with a blend of oud and amber. It is known for its excellent performance and unique scent.

Ambra Aurea Profumum Roma

A well-balanced and long-lasting fragrance with prominent amber notes.

Ambre Sultan Serge Lutens

A popular choice for those seeking a more masculine-leaning amber fragrance. It has a dense and beautiful aroma.

Ambre Nuit Dior

A bright and warm amber fragrance with hints of citrus and a jammy rose base. It has good longevity and is suitable for both day and night wear.

Ambre Fétiche Annick Goutal

A well-loved fragrance that is often recommended for its unique and memorable scent.

Alambar Laboratorio Olfattivo

A less well-known but excellent choice for an amber fragrance.

Ambre Loup

Although the recent reformulation has changed the scent, it is still worth trying the original formula if you can find it.

Ambre Eccentrico Giorgio Armani

A popular choice for its warm and inviting scent.

Ambre Malaki Chopard

A less well-known fragrance but one that is well worth discovering.

Tom Ford for Men and Amber Absolute by Tom Ford

Although the amber is not the most prominent note in Tom Ford for Men, it comes forward during the dry-down and adds a nice touch. Amber Absolute, on the other hand, is a true amber-centric fragrance.

Horizon Davidoff

While this fragrance does not have amber notes, its complex scent is ambery, warm, and rich, making it a good choice for those seeking an amber accord.

Floral fragrances

For Men:

• English Laundry Oxford Bleu Eau de Parfum: This cologne combines bright fruit notes with strong scents of iris and geranium, plus tonka bean for added depth. It's an invigorating, fresh scent that's perfect for summer.
• Cuba Prestige Classic Men EDT Spray: With a unique cigar-themed bottle, this cologne delivers a timelessly masculine scent with a twist of lavender. It's a great affordable option.
• Maison Francis Kurkdjian A La Rose Eau de Parfum: This luxurious cologne blends rose and wood fragrances with a hint of grapefruit for a delicate yet masculine effect. It's an expensive but exquisite choice.
• Atelier Cologne, Pomelo Paradis: This vibrant, citrus-driven scent is a celebration of pink grapefruit, mandarin, and black currant, with floral notes of Bulgarian rose, iris, and orange blossom. It's a refreshing and energizing choice, perfect for summer.
• Tiziana Terenzi Kirke EDP: An excellent unisex floral-fruity fragrance with strong lily-of-the-valley notes. It's ideal for those who enjoy wearing unisex scents and prefer a stronger fragrance.

For Women:

• Marc Jacobs Perfect Elixir Eau de Parfum: This scent strikes a perfect balance between cozy and sweet, with bright fruity notes of plum, rhubarb, and orange blossom, settling into a warm vanilla base. It's like a warm hug and is ideal for colder months.
• Diptyque Rose Roche Eau de Parfum: A classic floral scent with familiar rose notes, energised by lemon and patchouli. It's simple yet refined and perfect for those who want an uncomplicated floral fragrance.
• Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Parfum: A unique combination of leather and floral notes. It starts with mandarin and rose, drying down to a deep, moody leather-tinged vetiver. It's an intriguing, unexpected scent.
• Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid Eau de Parfum: Gucci's first gourmand floral fragrance. It has a tropical feel with a deep vanilla base, creating a smooth, creamy scent.
• Vintner's Daughter Understory Vol. 2: This natural fragrance oil captures the essence of California's Redwood Forests with notes of moss, violet, jasmine, and rose. It's an earthy, ethereal scent.
• Ellis Brooklyn Florist Eau de Parfum: A vibrant, heady bouquet of traditional floral notes—tuberose, jasmine, and gardenia—balanced by subtle hints of pear and amber. It's perfect for those who want a modern take on classic florals.
• Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Parfum: A woodsy, youthful take on the classic Chanel Chance. It combines citrus and jasmine with earthy amber and teak, making it ideal for warm days and nights.
• Diptyque Fleur de Peau Eau de Parfum: Inspired by the Greek love story of Psyche and Eros, this fragrance blends musk, powdery iris, fruity ambrette seeds, and pink peppercorn for a memorable, romantic scent.
• Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum: A nostalgic scent evoking the memory of a loved one. Refreshing musk and citrus notes lead to sandalwood and neroli blossom, creating a sense of familiarity and warmth.

Citrus fragrances

Dior Homme Cologne Eau de Toilette by Dior

This fragrance is regarded as one of the greatest scents available, with well-balanced top notes of Calabrian bergamot and a grapefruit blossom heart. It is fresh and clean, perfect for casual wear and weekends, although it may not be the best choice for formal occasions. It has a decent longevity of around 4 hours on the skin.

MYSLF Eau de Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent

This addictive scent has bergamot top notes and middle notes of Tunisian orange blossom, creating a fresh and floral twist perfect for spring and summer. While some critics note a heavy amount of vanilla and floral notes in the dry-down, others find it well-balanced. It is a versatile fragrance that can be worn to the office or on first dates.

Pacific Chill by Louis Vuitton

This fragrance is like a mojito in a bottle, with top notes of citron, orange, mint, lemon, black currant, and coriander, and middle notes of apricot, basil, carrot seeds, and may rose. It has excellent performance and longevity, with around 5-6 hours of projection on the skin. It is suitable for the office, date nights, and cocktail evenings in warmer months.

Acqua di Giò Profondo Eau De Parfum by Giorgio Armani

This fragrance leans towards marine notes with hints of bergamot and green mandarin, balanced by cypress, patchouli, and amber. It is fresher than it is citrusy, perfect for daily wear during the warmer months. It has average performance, with 4-6 hours of projection on the skin.

Colonia Futura by Acqua di Parma

This fragrance is all about citrus, with strong opening notes of grapefruit and lemon and a bitterness that makes it stand out. It has a more old-school feel compared to other citrus scents, making it suitable for daily wear and more professional settings. It has average performance, with 4-6 hours of projection on the skin.

Timeless by Clive Christian

This fragrance is unique, comfortable, and wearable, earning its name as a timeless classic. It has top notes of lime, bitter orange, and ginger, and middle notes of mint, lavender, coriander, and nutmeg. It is long-lasting, with projection beyond 6 hours, making it perfect for formal settings like dinner parties and award ceremonies.

Ani X by Nishane

This fragrance is the longest-lasting citrus scent on our list, with projection lasting more than 10 hours on the skin. It has top notes of lemon, bergamot, melon, ginger, and pink pepper, and middle notes of green apple, patchouli, black currant, and lavender. It is versatile and can be worn daily, with a fresh and sporty feel.

Ellis Brooklyn West Eau De Parfum

This complex fragrance is a true shapeshifter, with initial notes of blood orange and clementine that dry down to vetiver and amber base notes. It is unique and luxurious, with a fresh, light scent that lasts all day. Some reviewers find the dry-down scent too bitter.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum

This fragrance combines citrus and floral notes for a fresh and powdery scent. It is a special occasion perfume that is long-lasting, with a little going a long way. It may be too powdery for some.

Parfums de Marly Perseus Eau de Parfum

This fragrance is a fan favorite, with a smooth blend of notes that are hard to pick out individually. It strikes a perfect balance between fruity and woody notes, resulting in a complex and palatable scent. It is more expensive than other options.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum

This unisex fragrance evokes a sunny Italian holiday with top notes of bergamot, mandarin orange, lemon, and bitter orange. It is clean, refined, and sexy, perfect for warm weather. It is more expensive than other options.

Phlur Tangerine Boy Eau de Parfum

This fragrance is true to its name, with tangerine notes that are as citrusy as they come. It has notes of lemon, ginger, apple, jasmine, tangerine, amber, and moss. It is vibrant and fun, although the scent might be too realistic for some.

Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne

This fragrance is fresh and bright, with natural notes of lemon, bergamot, and patchouli. It is an elegant and vibrant everyday fragrance.

Frequently asked questions