The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Top-Rated Cologne

The number one cologne for men is a contentious topic, with many different opinions on which scent takes the top spot. However, Dior Sauvage is a popular choice, with multiple sources citing it as the best-selling cologne of all time. It has amassed a cult-like following since its release in 2015, with a fresh scent featuring notes of bergamot and earthy driftwood. Chanel Bleu de Chanel is another strong contender, receiving accolades such as Fragrance of the Year in 2019 and is considered one of the most versatile colognes, suitable for both day and night. Other popular colognes include Ralph Lauren Polo Blue, Calvin Klein CK One, and Armani Beauty Acqua di Giò.

Best Overall

Why we love it:

Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Giò is a fresh, coastal fragrance that's masculine without being too heavy. Close your eyes, and the blend of bergamot and neroli will transport you to some quiet Italian seaside town. Although it practically screams summer, it's just grounded enough to work all year round—and it smells expensive. "I will follow a man wearing this down the street," says Natasha Pearlman, Glamour's executive editor.

Fragrance notes:

• Top notes: Bergamot, neroli, green tangerine, jasmine
• Middle notes: Rosemary
• Base notes: Patchouli

Sizes:

• 0.67 oz.
• 1.7 oz.
• 3.4 oz.
• 6.7 oz.

Best Budget

Cremo's Spice & Black Vanilla is an eau de toilette with a warm, slightly sweet, and spicy fragrance with surprising staying power. The scent is dominated by cardamom and tobacco, with a subtle vanilla note that reveals itself later. It's ideal for fall and winter, but it can also be worn on a cool summer evening. The rectangular glass bottle is simple and sophisticated, and the fragrance is long-lasting and not overpowering, making it perfect for everyday wear.

Another great budget option is Nautica Voyage, which offers a subtle, fresh, and long-lasting scent that smells more expensive than its price tag. It evokes the crisp, cool water with its blend of green apple, cedar, and florals. It's uncomplicated and ideal for anyone who wants something straightforward to spray on as they head out the door.

If you're looking for something a little more unique, D.S. & Durga's I Don't Know What is a skin scent that amplifies your natural scent with iso e super and ambrox. It has a slightly musky, earthy, and light scent that lingers all day. It's a subtle, sensual fragrance that shows off without trying too hard, leaving those around you wanting more.

Best for Winter

As the seasons change, so should your cologne. Winter fragrances are typically crafted with heavier base notes like amber, musk, and leather, providing a longer-lasting and more robust aroma that cuts through the chilly air. Embrace the season by opting for warm and spicy fragrances, ensuring your scent remains captivating even in the coldest weather.

Terre d'Hermès by Hermès

This cologne strikes the perfect balance between zest, pepper, and wood, making it a great choice for winter. It's affordable and pleasant enough to wear daily, and while it's unique, it's not offensive. The performance is outstanding, with more than 8 hours of longevity on the skin and even more on clothes. It's best suited to men older than 18.

Althaïr by Parfums de Marly

This cologne combines vanilla and wood, with enough spice and musk built into the base notes. It's the most expensive fragrance on one list, but the performance is only good rather than amazing for the price. However, it's a luxurious scent that's sure to impress even the most seasoned nose.

Invictus Victory Elixir by Paco Rabanne

This cologne has notes of aromatic lavender and green cardamom, which transition to a blend of vanilla and patchouli. It's suitable for formal occasions in winter but can also be worn in spring and autumn. It has great performance, with 4-6 hours of longevity on the skin and slightly more on clothes.

Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum Extreme by Givenchy

This cologne is very masculine and is suitable for young and old men aged between 24 and 60. It has a strong black coffee note, with burnt wood and three types of vetiver. It has very good performance, with more than 8 hours of projection.

Bleu Noir Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez

This is one of the most wearable options, suitable for all ages. It has notes of cardamom, cypress, bergamot, and mandarin orange, with a heart of musk and suede, and a base of tonka bean, sandalwood, leather, vetiver, and Atlas cedar. It has top-notch performance for a powdery fragrance, with 4-6 hours of longevity on the skin.

Free d'Homme by CoSTUME NATIONAL

This is a super spicy cologne with notes of cinnamon and fresh spice. It's not something to wear to the office and is better suited to older gentlemen and special occasions. It has outstanding performance, with more than 6 hours of longevity on the skin.

Bad Boy Dazzling Garden by Carolina Herrera

This cologne has layers of vanilla balanced by fresh ginger and vetiver. It's a great alternative to the spicier options and is suitable for daily wear. It has only so-so performance, with around 4 hours of longevity.

Explorer Platinum by Montblanc

This is a great value-for-money winter fragrance. It has a cream, wood, and sharp coconut opening, with notes of violet leaves, clary sage, and cedarwood. It has excellent performance, with 6-8 hours of longevity.

Scandal Les Parfums by Jean Paul Gaultier

This is the longest-lasting winter fragrance on one list, with more than 8 hours of longevity on the skin. It's a seductive scent that's perfect for a late night in winter. It's best suited to a younger crowd, aged 16-40.

Bad Boy Extreme by Carolina Herrera

This cologne has notes of fresh ginger and vetiver, with a heart of patchouli and a base of tonka bean. It's great value for money, with more than 4-6 hours of longevity. It's perfect for a person who loves seductive aromatics and nutty chocolates.

Maison Margiela Under the Stars Eau de Toilette

This cologne has a spicy, woody, leathery vibe inspired by nights spent cozying up beside an outdoor fire. It's a statement scent but is still appropriate for day or night wear.

Arquiste Almond Suede

This is a sweet fragrance that brings out cozy vibes. It has notes of bitter almond, honeycomb, bergamot, pink pepper, concrete,

Best for Summer

When the sun is shining, you need a cologne that's light and refreshing. Here are some of the best options for men's cologne for summer:

• Dior Sauvage is an easy, fresh scent with notes of bergamot and driftwood. It's one of the best-selling men's colognes of all time, and for good reason.
• Ralph Lauren Polo Blue is a crisp, citrusy scent that's perfect for daily wear. It has over 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and has been a popular choice for two decades.
• Bvlgari Pour Homme Eau De Parfum is a great value-for-money option with a fresh and slightly spicy scent. It has excellent longevity and is perfect for summer with its layers of Darjeeling tea and ginger.
• Galloway by Parfums de Marly is the ultimate 'quiet luxury' fragrance. It's very fresh and classic, with outstanding longevity. The balance of citrus and musk is expertly done.
• Hermes H24 Eau de Parfum is the quintessential 'green' fragrance for summer. It's pleasant and full of clary sage, with excellent projection and longevity.
• Coach Green is a great value option with strong notes of kiwi. It's perfect for summer, but it's not very long-lasting.
• Narcisco Rodriguez Vetiver Musc is a lovely musk with aquatic citrus and lavender. It's perfect for the start of summer and has excellent performance.
• Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male is a classic, timeless scent that's one of the highest-rated colognes of all time. It's a blend of tonka bean, vanilla, zesty orange, and spicy cinnamon.
• Acqua di Parma Colonia C.L.U.B. is a long-lasting, citrusy fragrance that would work well as a gift. It has some interesting characteristics thanks to its pink pepper note.
• Paco Rabanne Invictus Platinum is a great value green fragrance that's perfectly suited for summer. It has excellent longevity and an intoxicating scent.
• Valentino Uomo Born in Roma Green Stravaganza is a fresh, green, and tropical scent with an exciting blend of coffee and citrus. It has excellent performance and comes in a high-quality bottle.
• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Summer Vibes is a simple, clean scent that's perfect for hot weather. It's a great gifting option, although it's pretty inoffensive.
• Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey pour Homme Solar Lavender is a nice alternative to the original L'Eau d'Issey pour Homme, with Sichuan pepper and lavender notes. However, its performance is underwhelming.
• Hermes H24 Herbes Vives Eau de Parfum is an outstanding fresh and herbaceous scent that lasts forever, especially on clothes. It's pretty unisex and would make a great gift.
• Le Labo Another 13 is often rated as Le Labo's best fragrance. It's a unique scent, similar to Baccarat Rouge 540, with beautiful ambrette middle notes. However, some people have trouble smelling the base notes.
• Creed Royal Water is a classy, luxurious, and masculine scent. It's one of the longest-lasting summer fragrances we've tested, with herbal elements and a cedarwood base that perfectly balance the citrus top notes.

Best for Date Night

Dior Homme – Best Date Night Cologne

Dior Homme is one of the most complimented colognes by women. Perhaps it's the unique mixture of lavender, iris, and sage with warm cacao, amber, and leather. The fragrance lingers delicately in the air for hours after spraying, demanding attention in a classy, sophisticated manner. It's the perfect compliment to your surroundings and your favourite shirt on a date night.

Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’Homme – Most Sexy Men’s Cologne

La Nuit De L’Homme is an incredibly powerful fragrance that exudes masculinity and embodies power with confidence. YSL has managed to blend a handful of accords to create a unique and characterful cologne that's perfect for dates. While it helps to attract attention, it does so quietly and without dominating, making it the perfect choice for an intimate date with someone you've been seeing for a while.

Creed Aventus – King of All Colognes

Creed Aventus is possibly the king of all colognes. It's a guaranteed compliment-getter, loved by women and men. A persistent top note of apple fights for the spotlight against deeper base notes of oak moss, musk, ambergris, and vanilla. This fragrance is the epitome of masculinity.

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male – Classic Cologne

Le Male is a classic cologne that took the world by storm in the mid-90s with its unmistakable vanilla fragrance. Wearing such a highly aromatic cologne tells a woman that you are classy, elegant, and powerful, making it a great choice for a first date.

Dolce & Gabbana The One

D&G's The One cologne is warm, spicy, and super sexy, making it perfect for one-on-one dates. The blend of grapefruit alongside spices, tobacco, and orange blossom makes the wearer feel confident and self-assured, and there's nothing like authenticity on a first date.

Chanel Bleu De Chanel

Bleu De Chanel is an inoffensive yet extremely pleasant men's cologne. It has a unique appeal while being similar to other fresh fragrances. For summer evening dates, it impresses without being too over the top.

Frequently asked questions