The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Best Men's Cologne

Choosing the best men's perfume can be a daunting task, with so many options available on the market. The right perfume can punctuate your personality and enhance the experience of those around you.

Perfumes can be broadly classified into fragrance families, with the most popular ones being citrus, woody, aromatic, aquatic, leather, and gourmand. Woody fragrances are deep and rich, while aromatic and citrus colognes are bright, refreshing, and energizing. Aquatic scents are musky and aromatic, while leather fragrances are bold and spicy. Gourmand colognes are warm and comforting, with sweet notes.

When choosing a perfume, it is important to consider the blend of notes rather than singular ingredients. Longevity is another factor to consider, as some perfumes last all day while others need to be reapplied. The concentration of perfume oil also varies, with eau de toilette having a lower concentration and eau de parfum having a higher concentration, resulting in a stronger scent and longer-lasting effect.

- Chanel Bleu de Chanel

- Dior Sauvage

- Ralph Lauren Polo Black

- Creed Aventus

- Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio

- Prada Luna Rossa Ocean

- Le Labo Thé Matcha 26

- Tom Ford Noir Extreme

- Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum

Woody fragrances

Terre d'Hermes Parfum by Hermes

This fragrance has a cult-like following due to its addictive woody, spicy, and earthy accord. It has notes of vetiver, flint, and oak moss, and is a good value option.

Masculin Pluriel by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

A fresh and woody fragrance is hard to achieve, but this scent nails it with its combination of lavender, patchouli, vetiver, and cedar. It's long-lasting and has great projection.

Gentleman Society by Givenchy

This woody and aromatic fragrance has notes of cardamom, sage, vetiver, vanilla, and cedar. It's creamy and vanilla-scented, without being too sweet, thanks to the addition of mint and sage.

Endymion by Penhaligon's

Endymion achieves an undeniable allure with its lavender and wood base notes, balanced by sweet and refreshing coffee and lavender. It has great projection and longevity.

Philosykos by Diptyque

This fragrance is a hyper-realistic recreation of a ripe fig, balanced by coconut and woody cedar. It's affordable and has good projection and longevity.

Les Roches Noires by Moncler

This fragrance has a unique, boozy and leathery wood base, with notes of Indonesian patchouli, labdanum, and pink pepper. It's great value for money and has good longevity.

Wonderwood by Comme Des Garcons

This fragrance is extremely spicy, with additional notes of vetiver, sandalwood, Virginia cedar, and cypress. It's great for everyday wear and has excellent performance.

James by Atkinsons

This fragrance has a strong character, with base notes of patchouli, musky wood, and vetiver, and top notes of bergamot and pink peppercorn. It's a classic scent with good longevity.

Wood Essence by Bvlgari Man

This fragrance combines wood bark and resin with Italian citrus zest for an aromatic freshness. It has good performance for its price.

Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford

This clean, citrusy, and refreshing fragrance uses three different vetivers for an epic, luxurious scent. It's supremely masculine and has great longevity.

40 Knots by Xerjoff

Capturing the essence of yacht clubs and Mediterranean beaches, this fragrance has aquatic undertones and notes of amber, dark rum, and baby powder. It's rich and potent, with excellent projection and silage.

Bleu Noir for Him Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez

This uncomplicated fragrance is soft and creamy, with notes of vetiver, amber, musk, cedar, and vetiver. It's subtle, versatile, and has outstanding performance.

Gentleman Reserve Privée by Givenchy

This fragrance draws inspiration from whisky, with woody, floral, and candied fruit notes. It has good longevity and projection, and a dry, powdery finish.

Bowmakers by D.S. & DURGA

This traditional masculine fragrance has notes of moss, cedar, and chestnut, with a warm, cosy, and addictive scent. It's suitable for all age groups and has good longevity and silage.

Citrus fragrances

Terre d'Hermès

This fragrance from Hermes is a citrusy yet woody scent, featuring notes of citron, juniper berry, and Timut pepper. It's the perfect choice for those who want to appreciate earthy, nature-forward aromas. Terre d'Hermès has excellent longevity and is versatile enough for both day and night wear.

Acqua di Parma Colonia

This timeless and classic cologne has been a favourite among men for over a century. It opens with fresh and invigorating notes of bergamot, lemon, and orange, followed by elegant and sophisticated middle notes of lavender and rosemary. The base notes of patchouli and vetiver provide a warm and woody finish. Colonia is versatile and long-lasting, making it perfect for any occasion.

Chanel Bleu de Chanel

Chanel's Bleu de Chanel is a classy and fresh fragrance with notes of grapefruit, lemon, mint, and bergamot. It's an alluring scent inspired by a sensual, woody, amber landscape. Bleu de Chanel has great longevity and is suitable for all seasons and occasions.

Dior Sauvage

Dior Sauvage is a citrusy and spicy fragrance with hints of musk. It features notes of Ambroxan, bergamot, and Sichuan pepper. This cologne has a sleek and practical bottle, and the fragrance itself lasts up to 7 hours on the skin, making it a reliable choice for men on the go.

Atelier Cologne Clementine California

Clementine California is a crowd-pleasing citrus fragrance perfect for warm weather. It's an excellent choice for those who want a bright and refreshing scent.

Other Notable Mentions

• Dior Homme Cologne
• Chanel Allure Homme Sport
• Atelier Orange Sanguine
• Byredo Pulp
• Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic
• Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme
• Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio

Aromatic fragrances

Ralph Lauren Polo Black

This bold and aromatic fragrance is the ultimate scent to get you noticed. It is a fusion of iced mango, lemon, tangerine, sandalwood, sage, and patchouli noir, resulting in a bittersweet scent. It has good longevity, making it an ideal daytime scent.

Creed Aventus

Aventus is a best-selling fragrance that was introduced in 2010 and continues to be a fan favourite. It features crisp top notes of apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, and bergamot, with base notes of birch, patchouli, vanilla, and musk. It is inspired by the life of a historic emperor and is meant to symbolise strength, power, and success.

Chanel Bleu de Chanel

This fresh, clean, and sensual scent from Chanel includes notes of citrus, labdanum, sandalwood, and cedar. It can easily transition from day to night, making it perfect for a date. It has good longevity, and its musky undertone makes it ideal for various occasions.

Dior Sauvage

Dior Sauvage is a nature-inspired, earthy, and woody fragrance with warm notes of bergamot, pepper, and amberwood. It takes cues from a desert landscape but can still be worn in winter due to its refined, non-overpowering finish. It has good longevity, making it a reliable cologne.

Le Labo Another 13

This fragrance is equal parts musky and fresh, composed of ambroxan, jasmine petals, moss, and woody, amber-y notes. It is a hidden gem that deserves just as much hype as Le Labo's signature scent, Santal 33. It has good longevity, making it suitable for various occasions.

Byredo Bibliothèque

Bibliothèque is a woody, leathery, and fruity scent with notes of plum, peach, violet, vanilla, and musk. It conjures images of sitting in a traditional wood-panelled library, making it an intellectual and suave fragrance. It is often unfamiliar and unique to those who smell it, making it perfect for an alluring or mysterious man.

Aquatic fragrances

Prada Luna Rossa Ocean

This fragrance is described as aromatic, musky, and aquatic. It blends Haitian vetiver, musks, and patchouli with lavender, suede, and saffron. The result is a refreshing scent with a citrus twist. It's a great choice for men who want to stand out from the crowd.

Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani

This fresh, aquatic scent is perfect for men who want to exude a sense of relaxation and a carefree attitude. With top notes of lemon, lime, and mandarin orange, it's a versatile fragrance that can be worn for any occasion.

Nautica Voyage

Nautica Voyage is a popular choice for men, with its fresh, romantic, and fruity scent. It combines woody and aquatic notes of apple, water lotus, cedarwood, and musk. It's an ideal day wear fragrance and is long-lasting.

Creed Millesime Imperial

This fragrance is a true aquatic masterpiece, offering a mix of notes that create a super aquatic, fresh, and masculine scent profile. It's a great choice for a beach day or any summer activity.

Hollister Wave

Hollister Wave is an excellent aquatic fragrance with a unique twist. It combines aquatic notes with salty, lime, and margarita vibes, resulting in a clean and refreshing scent. It's perfect for those who want something a little different from the typical aquatic fragrance.

Versace Pour Homme

This fragrance is a classic aquatic scent with a good balance of longevity and pricing. It's a great choice for men who want to feel confident and is perfect for a date night or a night out on the town.

Other Notable Mentions:

• Atlantis by Blu Atlas
• Bulgari Aqua Marine
• Tom Ford Costa Azzurra
• Tommy Bahama St. Barts
• Dylan Blue by Versace
• Sailing Day
• Armaf Milestone
• Xerjoff 40 Knots
• Michael Malul Ocean Noir
• Azzaro Chrome Extreme
• Ferragamo Aqua Essenziale Blu

Leather fragrances

Memoir Man by Amouage

An alluring and philosophical scent, Memoir Man is a leather fragrance that defies conventions. With top notes of absinthe, wormwood, basil, and mint, heart notes of rose, frankincense, and lavender, and base notes of sandalwood, vetiver, Guaiac wood, amber, vanilla, musk, oakmoss, leather, and tobacco, this fragrance is perfect for the alluring man.

Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford

Inspired by Tom Ford's love of fine leather, Tuscan Leather is a raw yet refined, sensual yet sophisticated fragrance. With key notes of leather, saffron, black suede, and a touch of night-blooming jasmine, this cologne has a warm woody leather scent. It is a must-have for any serious collector.

Accord Oud by Byredo

Byredo's Accord Oud has an intricate and enticing scent built around a fresh accord of leather and blonde woods, with a bouquet of spices rounded up with powdery musks. The complex fragrance has base notes of patchouli and powdery musks, middle notes of leather accord and clary sage, and top notes of blackberry, saffron, and rum. This fragrance is perfect for the complex man.

Fahrenheit by Dior

Dior's Fahrenheit is structured around fresh notes of Sicilian mandarin, a surprising blend of masculine wood and leather notes, and a unique violet accord. This majestic and masculine scent with a hint of citrus will leave a powerful, lingering trail, making it ideal for the powerful man.

Leather by Acqua di Parma

Acqua di Parma's Leather combines citrus accents of Sicilian lemon with leathery notes of cedarwood and guaiac, resulting in a refreshingly modern aroma. With base notes of leather accord, cedar, and Paraguayan guaiac oil, middle notes of red thyme, honeysuckle, petitgrain, and rose accord, and top notes of Brazilian orange, Sicilian lemon, and raspberry accord, it is one of the best men's leather fragrances available.

Royal Leather Eau de Parfum by By Kilian

By Kilian's Royal Leather is a decadent, masculine leather fragrance that is bold, luxurious, and effortlessly classy. It has a warm spicy opening of exotic black tea and musky/floral hawthorn, leading to a heart of sumptuous leather and powdery heliotrope, with oud and patchouli in the base. This high-performing autumn/winter fragrance settles into a nicely balanced dark leather and woody combo with an undercurrent of powdery floral tones.

Godolphin Eau de Parfum by Parfums de Marly

Parfums de Marly's Godolphin is a thoroughbred of a leather fragrance with a cheeky fruity twist. Sweet/musky saffron and sweet mixed fruits are joined by a heart of rose, iris, and jasmine, with a glamorous leather base supported by vanilla and musk. This unique autumn/winter/spring scent performs well, and the addition of dried fruits and saffron ensures the leather note is not too linear.

Ombré Leather by Tom Ford

Ombré Leather by Tom Ford is a refined, sensual, and sophisticated scent. It has notes of citrus, leather, and amber, with a musky undertone that makes it perfect for transitioning from day to night.

Guilty Absolute by Gucci

Gucci Guilty Absolute is a bold and masculine fragrance with notes of leather, cypress, and patchouli. It is a great choice for men who want to exude confidence and sex appeal.

Leather by Malin+Goetz

Malin+Goetz's Leather is an approachable and polite way to wear leather, while still announcing that you are confident and sexy. This fragrance offers a polite way to wear leather, with notes of sandalwood and incense complementing the raw, dripping leather.

Cherry Leather by Bianco Profumo

Cherry Leather by Bianco Profumo is the olfactory equivalent of wearing your brashest pants for a night on the town. It has irreverent, sultry, and cheeky vibes, with suede notes standing out alongside the cheeky cherry note. This fragrance is perfect for men who want to have fun with their scent.

Frequently asked questions