The Most Popular Men's Colognes: What's The Best-Selling Scent?

Men's cologne is a lucrative industry, with billions of dollars in profit, and it's worn by men across the world. The best-selling cologne for men is often considered to be Dior Sauvage, which has amassed a cult-like following since its release in 2015. It has received plenty of critical acclaim and is a staple for men of all ages. Other popular colognes include Ralph Lauren Polo Blue, Calvin Klein CK One, and Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme. These colognes offer a range of scents, from fresh and citrusy to woody and spicy, catering to different preferences and occasions.

Best-selling men's colognes

There are many best-selling men's colognes on the market, offering unique and memorable scents that leave a lasting impression. Here is a list of some of the top-selling men's colognes:

Dior Sauvage

Undeniably, Dior Sauvage is the best-selling men's cologne of all time. With its cult-like following, this fragrance has been a chart-topper since its release in 2015. It has amassed tremendous critical acclaim and commercial success, with a bottle sold every three seconds in 2021, generating over $4.5 million daily. Sauvage is an overwhelmingly fresh scent with notes of bergamot and driftwood, making it a favourite among men of all ages.

Ralph Lauren Polo Blue

This crisp and alluring fragrance has been a staple for gentlemen worldwide for over twenty years. With more than 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, Ralph Lauren Polo Blue is a go-to choice for a daily scent. It features an energizing blend of citrus and sage, with hints of patchouli and suede, transporting you to a bright and refreshing atmosphere.

Azzaro Chrome

Azzaro Chrome is a long-standing powerhouse cologne that has been a favourite for 25 years. This aromatic citrus fragrance is perfect for summer, with top notes of rosemary, pineapple, neroli, bergamot, and lemon. The middle and base notes add depth with coriander, oakmoss, jasmine, sandalwood, and tonka bean.

Versace Eros

Versace Eros ranks high among the best-selling colognes due to its excellent projection, allowing you to use less product. It has an enticing blend of mint, green apple, and lemon top notes, with tonka bean, geranium, and ambroxan in the middle. The base notes of Madagascar vanilla, vetiver, oakmoss, and cedar provide a masculine finish.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme

This cologne is a perfect choice for the self-assured man, offering a vibrant and aromatic citrus fragrance. Launched in 2007, it won the FiFi Award for Fragrance of the Year Men's Luxe in 2008. Light Blue Pour Homme is best suited for summer, with top notes of mandarin orange, juniper, grapefruit, and bergamot, and base notes of musk, oakmoss, and incense.

Honourable Mentions:

• Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio
• Paco Rabanne 1 Million
• Calvin Klein CK One
• Bleu de Chanel
• Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin
• Diesel Only the Brave
• Le Labo Santal 33
• Nautica Voyage
• Versace Man Eau Fraiche
• Curve
• Tommy Hilfiger for Men
• Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce
• Stetson Original

Top notes and base notes

Top notes, also known as head notes, are the first layer of a fragrance and the scents you detect immediately after spraying. They evaporate quickly, lingering for only 5-15 minutes. Examples of colognes with refreshing, citrusy top notes include:

• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme
• Nautica Voyage
• Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Pour Lui EDT
• Versace Man Eau Fraiche
• Dior Sauvage
• Ralph Lauren Polo Blue
• Armani Code by Giorgio Armani
• CK One by Calvin Klein
• Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier
• Nautica Voyage
• Azzaro Chrome EDT
• Versace Eros
• Cool Water by Davidoff
• Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue
• Prada L’Homme EDT
• Polo Red by Ralph Lauren
• Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme by Giorgio Armani
• Legend EDT by Montblanc
• Burberry Touch for Men
• Coach for Men EDT
• Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme

Middle notes, or heart notes, are the heart of the scent. They make up around 70% of the total fragrance and will appear as the top notes evaporate. They usually last for the duration of the scent. Woody, spicy, and floral heart notes are common. Examples include:

• Armani Code by Giorgio Armani
• CK One by Calvin Klein
• Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier
• Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme
• Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue
• Prada L’Homme EDT
• Legend EDT by Montblanc
• Burberry Touch for Men
• Coach for Men EDT
• Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme
• Azzaro Chrome EDT
• Versace Eros
• Cool Water by Davidoff
• Azzaro Wanted EDT
• Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Pour Lui EDT
• Versace Man Eau Fraiche
• Dior Sauvage
• Ralph Lauren Polo Blue
• Azzaro The Most Wanted Intense
• Calvin Klein CK One
• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme
• Bleu de Chanel
• Diesel Only the Brave
• Le Labo Santal 33

Base notes form the foundation of a fragrance and are the scents that linger for hours. They combine with the middle notes to create the overall scent. Base notes include vanilla, musk, tobacco, and woody notes. Examples include:

• Armani Code by Giorgio Armani
• CK One by Calvin Klein
• Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier
• Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue
• Prada L’Homme EDT
• Legend EDT by Montblanc
• Burberry Touch for Men
• Coach for Men EDT
• Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme
• Azzaro Chrome EDT
• Versace Eros
• Cool Water by Davidoff
• Azzaro Wanted EDT
• Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Pour Lui EDT
• Versace Man Eau Fraiche
• Dior Sauvage
• Ralph Lauren Polo Blue
• Azzaro The Most Wanted Intense
• Calvin Klein CK One
• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme
• Bleu de Chanel
• Diesel Only the Brave
• Le Labo Santal 33

Colognes for different seasons

Spring and summer

Spring and summer colognes are often defined by their freshness and vibrancy. They tend to be lighter, with citrus and herbal notes that are perfect for the warmer months. If you're looking for a versatile cologne that can take you from spring to summer, try Calvin Klein CK One. It's a fan favourite with its refreshing citrus and unique notes of green tea and nutmeg. Another great option is Bleu de Chanel, a timeless classic with notes of sandalwood, cedar and citrus. It's a perfect year-round scent and has even been awarded Fragrance of the Year.

For something a little more budget-friendly, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme is an excellent choice. It's versatile and easy to wear, with a scent profile that includes clean citrus, herbaceous heart notes and a musky core. You can also try Ralph Lauren Polo Blue for a crisp and alluring scent. It's a well-loved fragrance with notes of citrus, sage, patchouli and suede, perfect for getting through those hot summer days.

Autumn

As the seasons change, so do the colognes. Autumn calls for warmer, spicier fragrances with deeper notes. One of the best-selling men's fragrances, Dior Sauvage, offers an intense version perfect for autumn: Dior Sauvage Eau Forte. It has a similar scent profile to the original but is water-based, making the spices smoother and warmer. Another great option for autumn is Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Dark Leather. It's a bold fragrance with a bouquet of spices, black leather and tobacco, giving it a smooth, grounded quality.

For a more affordable option, David Beckham Amber Breeze provides warm and sophisticated vibes with a fresh opening of citrus and deeper layers of spice, patchouli and vetiver. If you're looking for something sweet, Arquiste Almond Suede blends smooth, nutty almond with sugar, vanilla and a masculine, leathery base. For a bold statement, Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF combines black pepper with orange blossom, bourbon vanilla, amber and patchouli for a versatile fragrance that's perfect for autumn.

Winter

Winter colognes are all about warmth and spice. They often feature notes of wood, spice, vetiver, cocoa and bourbon. One of the best winter fragrances is Terre d'Hermès by Hermès, which strikes the perfect balance between zest, pepper and wood. It's affordable, long-lasting and suitable for daily wear. Another excellent option is Bleu Noir Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez, a versatile fragrance with notes of cardamom, cypress, bergamot and mandarin orange, making it perfect for casual get-togethers, the office or dinner parties.

If you're looking for something spicy, Free d'Homme by CoSTUME NATIONAL will blow you away with its cinnamon and fresh spice. It's an intense, special-occasion fragrance. For something more affordable, Montblanc Explorer Platinum offers excellent value for money and a creamy, woody scent with sharp coconut notes. Finally, for a photorealistic boozy fragrance, try Bonne Chauffe by Frapin, which evokes the scent of a French oak barrel filled with bourbon whiskey.

Colognes for special occasions

Dior Sauvage

Undeniably, Dior Sauvage is the best-selling men's cologne and a cult classic. Its fresh and seductive scent, with notes of bergamot and driftwood, has made it a favourite among men of all ages. This cologne is a safe bet for any special occasion and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ralph Lauren Polo Blue

With over 12,000 five-star reviews, Ralph Lauren Polo Blue is a crisp and alluring fragrance that has been a market favourite for two decades. Its fresh citrus and sage notes, balanced with patchouli and suede, make it an energising choice for a daytime event.

Armani Acqua di Gio

This cologne is a true crowd-pleaser, with its masculine and recognisable scent. Created to evoke the Mediterranean sun, sea, and wind, it's perfect for spring and summer events. With its blend of citrus, floral, and woody notes, it's a versatile choice for any special occasion.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme

Light Blue Pour Homme is a versatile and affordable option, offering a clean citrus scent with herbaceous heart notes and a musky base. This cologne is perfect for daytime special occasions, especially under a clear blue sky.

Bleu de Chanel

Bleu de Chanel is a timeless and award-winning fragrance, loved by men worldwide. Its woody scent, with notes of sandalwood, cedar, and citrus, makes it a sophisticated choice for any special occasion, regardless of the season.

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin

This unique cologne by Jo Malone stands out from the crowd with its fresh and citrusy scent. The depth of its fragrance, with peppery basil and woody notes, creates a well-rounded and sophisticated aroma. It's a great choice if you're looking for something special and memorable.

Versace Eros

Versace Eros is a popular choice due to its excellent projection, meaning a little goes a long way. With its blend of mint, green apple, and lemon top notes, it's a versatile fragrance that can be worn during the fall and winter. It's an excellent option if you want to make a statement at your next special event.

These recommendations offer a range of options to suit different tastes and occasions. Remember, when choosing a cologne for a special occasion, consider the season, the versatility of the fragrance, and the impression you want to make.

Affordable colognes

When it comes to choosing a cologne, it's important to consider your budget as well as your preferences. Here are some affordable cologne options that won't break the bank:

Nautica Voyage

Nautica Voyage is a fresh cologne with notes of green leaves, apple, mimosa, lotus, amber, musk, oakmoss, and cedar. It's a great choice for summer, and at well under $20, it's a bargain.

Azzaro Chrome

Azzaro Chrome has been a popular choice for 25 years. This aromatic citrus fragrance is perfect for summer, with its blend of rosemary, pineapple, neroli, bergamot, lemon, cyclamen, coriander, oakmoss, jasmine, sandalwood, tonka bean, musk, cedar, Brazilian rosewood, and cardamom.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme

This cologne is an aromatic citrus fragrance that's perfect for the self-assured man who wants a vibrant scent. It has notes of mandarin orange, juniper, grapefruit, bergamot, rosemary, Brazilian rosewood, pepper, musk, oakmoss, and incense. It's a great choice for summer and won the FiFi Award for Fragrance of the Year Men's Luxe in 2008.

Versace Eros

With its excellent projection, you won't need to apply much of this cologne. It has notes of mint, green apple, lemon, tonka bean, geranium, ambroxan, Madagascar vanilla, vetiver, oakmoss, and cedar. It's perfect for fall and winter and is a great choice in terms of price and versatility.

Davidoff Cool Water

Cool Water by Davidoff is an iconic oceanic scent that has been a bestseller for decades. With notes of seawater, mint, green notes, lavender, coriander, rosemary, calone, sandalwood, jasmine, neroli, geranium, musk, oakmoss, cedar, tobacco, and amber, it's a great choice for summer.

Azzaro Wanted

Azzaro Wanted, created by Fabrice Pellegrin, stands out with its unique bottle design. This spicy woody fragrance is perfect for fall and spring, with notes of lemon, ginger, lavender, mint, Guatemalan cardamom, juniper, apple, geranium, Haitian vetiver, tonka bean, and amberwood.

Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Pour Lui

This cologne is a great starter choice and a compliment magnet. It's a timeless scent that can be worn in any situation, especially during spring and summer. It has notes of rosemary, cardamom, grapefruit, ylang-ylang, tuberose, Virginia cedar, leather, suede, and vetiver.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche

Created by master perfumer Olivier Cresp, this cologne is a fresh and aquatic fragrance with Mediterranean qualities and woody notes. It's highly versatile and affordable, and you're sure to receive many compliments. It's perfect for summer and has notes of bergamot, Brazilian rosewood, cardamom, lemon, carambola, tarragon, sage, cedar, pepper, amber, saffron, musk, woodsy notes, and sycamore.

These affordable colognes offer a range of scents to suit different tastes and occasions, so you can find one that fits your preferences and budget.

Frequently asked questions