When it comes to colognes, longevity is key. The best-smelling colognes that last all day are often those with higher concentrations of scent, such as eau de parfums, parfums, and elixirs.
- Dior Dior Sauvage Elixir
- Stetson Stetson Original
- Tom Ford Noir Extreme
- Ralph Lauren Ralph's Club Elixir
- Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
- Cartier Pasha Noir Absolu Eau de Parfum
- Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum
- DS & Durga Deep Dark Vanilla
- Guy Laroche Drakkar Intense Eau De Parfum
- Bulgari Le Gemme Onekh Eau de Parfum
- Perfumehead Xanaboud Extrait de Parfum
- Creed Aventus
- Chanel Bleu de Chanel
- Dior Sauvage Elixir Parfum
- Tom Ford Beau de Jour
- Ralph Lauren Polo EDT
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Silver
- Hermes Terre d'Hermes Eau Intense Vetiver
- Bulgari Le Gemme Onekh
- Creed Aventus Eau de Parfum
- Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum
- Hermes Terre d'Hermes Eau de Parfum
- Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
- Angel by Thierry Mugler
- Flora Gorgeous Gardenia by Gucci
- Velvet Orchid by Tom Ford
- Voyage by Hermes
- Ombre Leather by Tom Ford
- Green Irish Tweed by Creed
- 212 VIP Black by Carolina Herrera
What You'll Learn
Woody fragrances
Terre d'Hermes Parfum by Hermes
This cologne has a strong initial projection, so a little goes a long way. It has an addictive woody, spicy, and earthy scent with notes of grapefruit, vetiver, flint, and oak moss. It offers good longevity, lasting around 4-6 hours on the skin. It is also great value for money and has a cult-like following among fragrance collectors.
Masculin Pluriel by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
This cologne combines fresh and woody notes, a challenging combination to achieve. It has soft yet long-lasting performance, with a scent that lasts all day on clothes and around 4-6 hours on the skin. It is an expensive fragrance but smells luxurious and expensive, with outstanding sillage and projection.
Gentleman Society by Givenchy
A creamy, vanilla-scented cologne with a twist of mint and sage to balance out the sweetness. It is a woody and aromatic fragrance with notes of cardamom, sage, vetiver, vanilla, and cedar. It is an enduring scent, with the vanilla lasting throughout the wearing experience. It is a great choice for an everyday fragrance.
Endymion by Penhaligon's
A unique fragrance that is 'fresh' without being citrusy, combining lavender and coffee with woody base notes. It has great projection and sillage, and good longevity, lasting around 4-6 hours on the skin. It is best suited for an older man as it has little to no citrus notes.
Philosykos by Diptyque
A luxurious fig-based fragrance with notes of coconut and woody cedar. It has good projection for the price and lasts around 4 hours on the skin. It is quite a realistic fig scent, so it is best suited for those who enjoy the smell of figs.
Les Roches Noires by Moncler
A unique fragrance with a leathery, woody base and rum-like top notes. It has great value for money and good longevity, lasting 4-6 hours on the skin and longer on clothes. It is best reserved for special occasions as the musk and leather accord can be quite strong and overpowering.
Wonderwood by Comme Des Garcons
A distinctive, spicy, and creamy woody fragrance that is great for everyday wear. It has good performance and scent on the skin, but poor longevity, lasting only around 2 hours. However, it is great value for money and can often be found for under $200.
James by Atkinsons
A classic, masculine fragrance with a modern twist, combining patchouli, musky wood, vetiver, and violet leaves. It has good performance, lasting 4-6 hours, but could be longer considering the price. It is best suited for older men who want a niche scent with a classic feel.
Wood Essence by Bvlgari Man
A bright and fresh woody fragrance with a play between wood resin and citrus notes. It performs well for its price, lasting around 4 hours on the skin and longer on clothes. It is a great option for those who like vetiver and is also good for gifting due to its inoffensive scent.
Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford
A clean, citrusy, and refreshing woody fragrance that uses three different types of vetiver for an epic, luxurious scent. It is a potent and supremely masculine fragrance that is best worn sparingly at night or for special occasions. It has excellent longevity, lasting 6-8 hours.
Bleu Noir for Him Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez
A sexy, subtle, and versatile woody fragrance with notes of musk, vetiver, amber, and citrus. It has excellent performance, with strong projection and longevity, lasting more than 8 hours. It is a great option for those wanting a long-lasting woody scent.
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Aromatic fragrances
Christian Dior Homme
A simple yet delightfully sweet scent that will guarantee you compliments. Dior Homme delivers citrusy bergamot and grapefruit blossom notes to create a light and fresh scent. The sweetness of this cologne is what makes it memorable, and it’s perfect to use at the start of your day and leave a lasting impression.
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio
One of the most versatile colognes a man could own. It delivers woody, aquatic notes with a blend of citrus and spices, including rosemary, amber, mandarin, bergamot, and more. It’s a very modern and masculine scent that will last for hours and is perfect for both day and night and any occasion.
Montblanc Legend
This fresh cologne delivers notes of white cedar, pineapple leaves, fresh jasmine, bergamot, sandalwood, and French lavandin. All these notes combined give a timeless, masculine fragrance that will have both men and women asking, "What cologne is that?" It's highly recommended for a date or a night out with friends.
Polo Blue Eau de Parfum
Another excellent choice for the modern gentleman. Whether you're a travelling professional or work in an office, Polo Blue will leave you feeling refreshed all day long. It delivers a fresh blend of aquatic scents mixed with a variety of aromatic notes, including sheer musk, moss, amber wood, tangerine, cucumber, melon, and washed suede.
Carolina Herrera for Men
Carolina Herrera is known for making distinct colognes, and CH Men is no exception. It offers more musk, woody, and tobacco notes while still giving a hint of fresh citrus, creating a great combination of sweet and manly. This scent is perfect for casual settings during the day, and it's an excellent choice to freshen up on the go.
Paco Rabanne One Million
This cologne has a refined scent and a unique bottle design that looks like a solid piece of gold. One Million by Paco Rabanne delivers notes of grapefruit, mandarin, peppermint, musk, cinnamon bark, blond leather, and white wood. It's a bold cologne that can be worn anytime, anywhere, to make a strong first impression, and it's guaranteed to get you compliments.
Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme
A fresh and bold fragrance that delivers aromatic notes of cardamom, cedar, and coumarin. It's one of the most versatile colognes a man could have, as it can be worn whenever and wherever. It's not overpowering but definitely memorable.
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Citrus fragrances
For Men:
- Parfums de Marly Perseus Eau de Parfum: This fragrance is an expert blend of citrus and woody notes, creating a complex and well-balanced scent. It features top notes of bergamot, grapefruit, and blackcurrant bud, middle notes of dry woods and cashmere wood, and base notes of balsam fir, woody spices, and tonka bean.
- Chanel Bleu de Chanel: An iconic fragrance with fresh citrus notes, spices, and elegant woods. The Eau de Parfum version adds depth and longevity with incense and amber, making it more sophisticated and sexy.
- Ralph Lauren Ralph's Club Elixir: This scent has a fresh, citrusy top note that dries down to reveal a more sophisticated blend of lavender, leather, patchouli, and balsam. It is the most mature and longest-lasting in the Ralph's Club fragrance family.
For Women:
- Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum: A unisex fragrance with top notes of bergamot, mandarin orange, lemon, bitter orange, lavender, rosemary, and myrtle. It evokes a sunny Italian holiday by the beach, making it a perfect summer scent.
- Phlur Tangerine Boy Eau de Parfum: A true citrus fragrance with top notes of lemon, ginger, and black pepper, middle notes of tangerine, jasmine, and apple, and base notes of moss and amber. It is zingy, vibrant, and fun, offering a realistic portrayal of tangerine.
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Parfum Spray: This fragrance combines the zesty freshness of citrus with delicate florals, eventually drying down to warm woods. It is a complex and versatile scent suitable for any occasion, from the office to a night out.
- Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Parfum Spray: A classic, sparkling fragrance with notes of lemon, cedar, and citron. It dries down to a subtle, sweet, and woody scent, leaving you feeling clean and refreshed.
- Ellis Brooklyn West Eau De Parfum: A unique and complex fragrance that shifts from citrus top notes of blood orange and clementine to herby base notes of vetiver and amber. It is long-lasting and has a luxurious feel.
To make your citrus fragrance last longer, try spritzing it on hydrated skin, such as after a shower or after applying moisturizer. Additionally, spraying on your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and behind your ears, can help extend the scent's longevity.
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Longevity
When it comes to colognes, longevity is key. You want a scent that will last all day, taking you from morning meetings to evening events without fading. The good news is that there are plenty of long-lasting fragrances on the market, and understanding a few key factors can help you choose the one that's right for you.
Firstly, it's important to know the difference between different types of fragrances. Colognes typically have a lower concentration of fragrance oil, usually ranging from 2% to 4%. Eau de toilettes have slightly higher concentrations, ranging from 5% to 14%, while eau de parfums contain 15% to 20% fragrance oil. Parfums or extraits have the highest concentration, with 20% or more fragrance oil, and are therefore the longest-lasting option.
When it comes to specific fragrances, several stand out for their longevity. Here are some of the best options:
Tom Ford Noir Extreme
An elegant and mature choice with loads of spices, including cardamom and nutmeg, and a cornucopia of woods. It's a bold fragrance with serious staying power.
Creed Aventus
A best-selling fragrance from Creed, known for its fruit-forward profile and green, mossy undertones. It has impressive staying power and settles nicely on the skin, making it a great choice for those who want a bold, long-lasting scent.
Dior Sauvage Elixir
A newer, bolder version of the classic Sauvage, with added spices like nutmeg, cardamom, and cinnamon, as well as an unexpected flash of licorice. The base notes of sandalwood, amber, patchouli, and Haitian vetiver give it lasting power and a bold, masculine scent.
Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
An iconic fragrance that combines fresh citrus notes with spices and elegant woods. The Eau de Parfum version adds incense and amber, creating more depth and a more sophisticated, sexy vibe while also enhancing its longevity.
Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
This fragrance is described as "an olfactory phenomenon". It opens with jasmine and saffron, then unfolds into deeper notes of amber and woody cedar, creating a magnetic pull. It's sophisticated, ethereal, and will make you feel like royalty all day.
Angel by Thierry Mugler
A groundbreaking gourmand fragrance with a blend of patchouli, vanilla, and sweet caramel. It's an addictive, cult-favorite scent that's perfect for making a bold statement. The contrast between fresh bergamot and the deep allure of patchouli gives it an edge, making it a classic choice.
Ombre Leather by Tom Ford
A raw, rugged, and unapologetically masculine fragrance. It opens with a spicy cardamom kick before melting into a heart of smooth, sensual leather, softened by jasmine sambac. It's a tough and tender cologne that's perfect for those who want to make a strong impression.
Voyage by Hermès
A versatile, easy-to-love scent that's perfect for everyday wear and travel. It combines fresh, crisp notes of lemon and cardamom with the subtle elegance of rose and musk, creating a fresh breeze-like fragrance that's light enough for daytime but complex enough for evening wear.
Flora Gorgeous Gardenia by Gucci
A fresh, sparkling fragrance with a hint of sweetness, inspired by a garden in full bloom. It captures the whimsical, joyful spirit of a flower-filled daydream with notes of pear blossom and gardenia, and a dash of brown sugar for warmth. It's a light, airy fragrance that's perfect for spring and summer days.
Hermes H24 Herbes Vives Eau de Parfum
A newly released scent that's juicy, fruity, and alive, yet sophisticated. It has impressive longevity and an impressive throw, making it a great choice for those who want a green and fresh fragrance that lasts.
Dior Homme Eau de Toilette
A masculine and sensual fragrance with Atlas cedar as its hero, supported by notes of patchouli and vetiver. It's luxe, sophisticated, and approachable, making it a great choice for those who want an elevated, wearable scent.
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Price
Colognes can range from extremely affordable to very expensive. For example, Liz Claiborne Curve for Men is incredibly well-priced, whereas a Tom Ford cologne will set you back a few hundred dollars. The cheapest colognes can be purchased for as little as $13, with the most expensive reaching upwards of $495.
The price of a cologne depends on various factors, including the size of the bottle, the brand, the ingredients used, and the concentration of fragrance oils. Typically, colognes with a higher concentration of fragrance oils will be more expensive, as they will last longer and require fewer reapplications throughout the day. These include parfums, eau de parfums, and elixirs, which have some of the highest concentrations of scent, ranging from 15-30% for parfums and 40-50% for eau de parfums and elixirs. On the other hand, eau de toilettes and eau de colognes have some of the smallest concentrations, with just 5-15% and 2-4% fragrance oil respectively, and are therefore more affordable.
In addition, the overall experience of using the cologne can impact the price. Some brands opt for more luxurious packaging and flashy marketing campaigns, which can drive up the cost. However, this doesn't necessarily reflect the quality of the cologne itself.
When choosing a cologne, it's important to consider your budget and what features are most important to you. If you're looking for a cologne that will last all day, you may want to invest in a higher-concentration option, even if it means spending a little more. On the other hand, if you're just starting to explore the world of colognes, a cheaper option with a smaller quantity may be a better choice to experiment with different scents without breaking the bank.
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Frequently asked questions
Some long-lasting colognes include:
- Dior Dior Sauvage Elixir
- Tom Ford Noir Extreme
- Ralph Lauren Ralph's Club Elixir
- Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
- Parfums de Marly Akaster Eau de Parfum
- Hermes H24 Herbes Vives
- Creed Aventus
- Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
- Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Eau de Toilette
Some popular colognes include:
- Chanel Bleu de Chanel
- Ralph Lauren Polo Black
- Dior Sauvage
- Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio
- Yves Saint Laurent Y
- Nautica Voyage
- Mugler A*Men Fantasm
- Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb
- Versace Eros
- Creed Aventus
- Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette
- Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme
- Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de l’Homme
- Dior Sauvage Elixir
Some of the best colognes include:
- Chanel Bleu de Chanel
- Dior Sauvage
- Ralph Lauren Polo Black
- Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio
- Creed Aventus
- Hermes H24 Herbes Vives
- Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb
- Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
- Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club
- Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette
- Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme
- Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de l’Homme
- Dior Sauvage Elixir