The Best Men's Colognes: Our Top Picks

Choosing a 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, the most important thing to do is to follow your nose and find a scent that smells good to you. It is also helpful to have a general understanding of fragrance terminology, such as top, heart, and base notes, as well as the different fragrance families.

When it comes to selecting a cologne, it is important to remember that it is not just about smelling good, but also about how it makes you feel. A signature scent should capture your multifaceted identity and enhance your sense of self. While cologne advertisements often promise to make you smell like someone else, it is better to choose a scent that is uniquely yours.

To help you navigate the booming men's fragrance market, here are some of the most popular colognes for men, recommended by fragrance experts:

- Chanel Bleu de Chanel: A fresh, woody, and slightly sweet fragrance that is a bestseller for many good reasons.

- Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò: A classic, fresh, and coastal fragrance that is masculine without being too heavy.

- Ralph Lauren Polo: A bold and aromatic blend of iced mango, lemon, tangerine, and woody notes.

- Dior Sauvage: A fresh, spicy, and woody fragrance that is modern, masculine, and extremely versatile.

- Le Labo: An underrated fragrance house with unique and sophisticated scents like Thé Matcha 26 and Another 13.

- Tom Ford: A crowd-pleaser with a luxurious mix of oud, sandalwood, and Chinese pepper.

- Yves Saint Laurent: A bold, sultry, and masculine signature fragrance with notes of citrus, sage, vetiver, and tonka bean.

- Maison Margiela: A warm and spicy fragrance, Jazz Club is a popular scent that evokes the atmosphere of a jazz club with notes of rum, tobacco, and vanilla.

- Creed Aventus: A crisp, fruity, and woody fragrance that is a fan favorite, featuring notes of apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, and musk.

- Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb: A delicate yet sophisticated spicy fragrance with notes of black pepper, purple florals, citrus, and leather.

- Jo Malone London: A fresh and woody scent that evokes the seaside with notes of sea salt and sage.

- Nautica Voyage: A subtle, fresh, and long-lasting scent that smells expensive and is a great affordable option.

These are just a few examples of popular colognes for men, but the key is to find a scent that resonates with you and makes you feel confident. Happy scent hunting!

Woody colognes

Woody fragrances are warm, deep, and grounded. They are often described as earthy, welcoming, comforting, and masculine. Here are some of the best woody colognes for men:

Chanel Bleu de Chanel

Chanel Bleu de Chanel is an iconic and versatile cologne with notes of citrus, resin, and sandalwood. It's an excellent choice for those who want something low-key and is perfect for those who think they don't like fragrances.

Ralph Lauren Polo

The original Ralph Lauren Polo cologne is a classic woody-aromatic scent that works in almost every context. It combines notes of pine, patchouli, leather, and tobacco for a sexy and professional vibe.

Burberry Hero

Burberry Hero is a strong woody fragrance with cypress, cedarwood, and resin notes. It's extremely smart and masculine, perfect for the shy colleague with a wicked sense of humour.

Hermes Terre d'Hermes

This cologne is described as a reliable, invigorating, and head-turning masculine scent and is perfect for all seasons and scenarios. It has notes of vetiver, Sichuan pepper, and green bergamot.

Gucci Guilty Elixir de Parfum

Gucci Guilty Elixir de Parfum is a memorable cologne with a blend of potent Ambrofix, orris butter, vanilla extract, benzoin, and nutmeg. It's refreshing, smoky, and leathery.

Byredo Bibliothèque

Byredo Bibliothèque is an intellectual, cool-guy cologne. While it smells sweet at first with notes of peach, plum, and violet, it dries down to something sexier with base notes of leather, patchouli, and vanilla.

Dior Sauvage

Dior Sauvage is a fresh, spicy, and woody cologne that dries down to a warm wood. It's modern, masculine, and extremely versatile, making it perfect for daytime or nighttime wear.

Tom Ford Oud Wood

Tom Ford Oud Wood is a luxurious mix of oud, sandalwood, Chinese pepper, and other notes. It's an excellent choice for those who want a classic, crowd-pleasing fragrance.

Encre Noire a L'Extreme

Encre Noire a L'Extreme is a long-lasting woody fragrance ideal for indoor use.

Green Irish Tweed

According to one source, Green Irish Tweed is the king of woody fragrances.

Cool Water

Another source claims that Cool Water is the king of woody fragrances.

OW by Tom Ford

This cologne is said to be the epitome of a warm, comforting, and earthy woody scent.

Tom Ford Tuscan Leather

Although this fragrance didn't win over one commenter, they noted that it was tolerable, which is high praise for a scent they're not usually into.

Givenchy Gentleman Boisée

Givenchy Gentleman Boisée is described as the "best woody parfum ever" by one commenter.

Bulgari The Wood Essence

Although this fragrance didn't last long according to some commenters, others suggested double-spraying to prolong its performance.

Wonderwood or Profile 18

These two colognes are said to smell pretty damn good and are "woody".

Platinum Egoiste

Platinum Egoiste is described as a masterpiece of a woody fragrance that is also timeless.

Tam Dao

Tam Dao is a great woody perfume.

Creed Original Vetiver

Creed Original Vetiver is recommended for those seeking a dominant woody note.

Tom Ford Grey Vetiver

Tom Ford Grey Vetiver is a great vetiver fragrance, even for those who don't typically enjoy woodsy scents.

Bleu de Chanel

Although this fragrance is popular among younger men, it is also worn by older customers and is described as a masterpiece in a bottle.

Aromatic colognes

Ralph Lauren Polo EDT

Ralph Lauren's Polo EDT is a classic, versatile scent that combines notes of pine, patchouli, leather, and tobacco. It's a woody-aromatic fragrance that works in almost any context, making it a great choice for everyday wear.

Chanel Bleu de Chanel EDT

Chanel Bleu de Chanel is a popular and iconic fragrance with notes of citrus, resin, and sandalwood. It's a pleasant and happy scent that conjures up positive memories and is perfect for those who want something low-key and not too overpowering.

Creed Aventus EDP

Creed Aventus is a bold and aromatic fragrance with top notes of apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, and bergamot, and base notes of birch, patchouli, vanilla, and musk. It's inspired by the life of a historic emperor and is meant to symbolise strength, power, and success.

Ralph Lauren Polo Black EDT

Ralph Lauren's Polo Black is a bold and aromatic fusion of iced mango, lemon, tangerine, sandalwood, sage, and patchouli noir. It's a classic, timeless fragrance that's perfect for making a statement and getting noticed.

Le Labo Another 13 EDP

Le Labo's Another 13 is a unique and slept-on fragrance with notes of ambroxan, jasmine petals, moss, and woody amber. It's a collaboration with Another magazine, creating a scent that's equal parts musky and fresh.

Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb EDT

Spicebomb by Viktor&Rolf is a sophisticated and delicate scent that opens with a punch of black pepper and purple florals. It then fades into a balanced blend of citrus and leather, making it an inviting and energising fragrance that's perfect for everyday wear.

D.S. & Durga Debaser EDP

Debaser by D.S. & Durga is a unique and tropical fragrance with notes of bergamot, pear stem, fig, coconut milk, iris, tonka bean, and moss. It's like a rich guy on vacation, with a hint of smoke, salt, and sweat that makes it seductive and multidimensional.

Armani Beauty Acqua di Giò EDT

Acqua di Giò by Armani Beauty is a classic, fresh, and coastal fragrance with notes of bergamot and neroli. It's masculine without being too heavy and has just enough grounding to work in all seasons. It's a popular choice that exudes sophistication and refinement.

Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club EDT

Replica Jazz Club by Maison Margiela is a warm and spicy fragrance with notes of pink pepper, rum, tobacco, and vanilla. It evokes the atmosphere of a dimly lit jazz club, making it perfect for the fall and winter months when you want to feel cozy and sophisticated.

Citrus colognes

HERMÈS Eau de Citron Noir Eau de Cologne

A unique and paradoxical imprint, this cologne offers a surprisingly persistent freshness that rises to the challenge of tenacity. It combines the striking and explosive vitality of citrus fruits with the depth of subtle smoky and woody notes of black lime.

DIOR Dior Homme Cologne

Although marketed as a men's cologne, this citrus scent is light and summery, and could be worn by men and women alike. It is a clean yet bold scent for everyday wear. The bottle has a sleek and modern design, sculpted from crystal-clear glass.

RALPH LAUREN Polo Red Eau de Toilette

An energizing men's cologne that opens with sparkling citrus scents of lemon and grapefruit and reveals a sensual side with unexpected hints of red saffron, coffee, and warm woods. The frosted glass bottle is dressed in a translucent red, paired with a statement-making chrome cap.

ARMANI BEAUTY Armani Code Eau de Toilette

This ambery-woody cologne for men opens with bright citrus notes of green mandarin from Italy. The heart is composed of lavandin, and the base is defined by warm tonka bean absolute and cedarwood, creating an intense yet comforting trail. The cologne is encapsulated in a refillable bottle that is both striking in design and crafted to last.

VERSACE Dylan Blue Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Travel Spray

This cologne combines new and exquisite qualities of natural citrus, aquatic notes, and violet leaves with modern hints of fig leaf to give an incisive, Mediterranean freshness. The classic bottle features bright blue and gold, reinterpreting the colour blue as an allusion to the Mediterranean Sea and its culture.

VERSACE Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Travel Spray

A decidedly masculine fragrance, this cologne blends essential ingredients of Mediterranean origin to hit aromatic notes. Dynamic and entrepreneurial, the Versace Pour Homme man communicates his forceful and passionate character through this scent. Notes include bergamot, neroli, citron of Diamante, bitter orange leaves, geranium, clary sage, blue hyacinth, cedarwood, old wood, mineral amber, tonka bean, and musk.

ARMANI BEAUTY Acqua Di Gio Parfum

A woody and aquatic cologne for men, distinguished by bergamot, rosemary essence, and incense notes. This fresh and long-lasting cologne captures the powerful sensations of nature. The bottle retains the Acqua di Gio collection's signature silhouette, enhanced with a precious and masculine look. Crafted with a graduated, matte-black lacquering, the flacon embodies the fragrance's intensity and sense of exhilaration.

BURBERRY Mr. Burberry Eau de Toilette

This fragrance captures the essence of London and its moments, fusing the classic scents of a British perfumery with unexpected ingredients. It contains fresh, crafted top notes of crisp, zesty grapefruit cut with a seductive base of earthy vetiver and smoky guaiac wood. The bottle is inspired by the iconic black Burberry trench coat, honouring its signature design details.

CHANEL BLEU DE CHANEL Eau de Toilette

A woody, aromatic fragrance for the man who defies convention, this cologne is a provocative blend of citrus and woods that liberates the senses. Fresh, clean, and profoundly sensual, it unites the invigorating zest of grapefruit with the power of an aromatic accord and the woody whisper of dry cedar. The New Caledonian Sandalwood lends a warm and sensual trail.

ORANGE COLOGNE

Although there is no additional information provided about this cologne, it is mentioned that it received many compliments and is wonderful, inviting, and comfortable.

JO MALONE Grapefruit Cologne

There is no additional information provided about this cologne, but it is mentioned that the reason someone loves it is because it is a cologne and not a perfume.

CITRUS VANILLA PERFUME

This perfume is described as catchy and sexy, with warm vanilla notes and light citrus notes for a sweet, warm, and powdery scent perfect for spring and summer.

CITRUS BODY SPRAY

This body spray is described as the most long-lasting ever, requiring only a couple of sprays to last all day.

ARMANI BEAUTY Acqua Di Gio

Although there is no additional information provided about this cologne, it is mentioned that it is a great cologne, similar to those by Gucci and Dior.

MONTBLANC Legend

There is no additional information provided about this cologne, but it is mentioned that it is not as long-lasting as other Montblanc colognes but does the job for more formal events.

Classic colognes

Calvin Klein Eternity for Men

Created in 1989, this cologne has a refreshing, spicy scent with notes of lavender, jasmine, and amber. It also has hints of rosewood, crisp sage, basil, sandalwood, and vetiver, creating a deep and powerful combination.

Aramis by Aramis

This cologne, created in 1965, is a vintage, unashamedly masculine scent. It is complex, strong, and intense, evoking the self-possessed confidence of a man who knows what he wants. It features a blend of rich spices, sandalwood, moss, clove, and leather.

Yves Saint Laurent Kouros

Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent has been a classic since its original reign in the 1980s. It is a seductive, deep, and musky fragrance with a long list of 20 notes, including cinnamon, patchouli, honey, leather, jasmine, and coriander.

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

Le Male is a versatile cologne that can be worn formally or casually. It offers a mix of contrasting notes, including warm vanilla, amber, and cinnamon, as well as lighter hints of lavender, mint, and orange blossom.

Calvin Klein Obsession for Men

Obsession for Men is a sexy and seductive fragrance with a blend of spices, rare woods, and botanicals, along with notes of amber, sandalwood, musk, myrrh, and vanilla.

Guerlain Vetiver Extreme

This is a reformulated and repackaged version of Guerlain's original Vetiver fragrance from 1958. It offers a well-considered balance of fresh, spicy, and woody notes, with floral and citrus top notes and intense, heady spices such as nutmeg, pepper, vetiver, cedar, and tonka bean.

Cartier Declaration

Released in 1998, this cologne combines notes of bergamot, orange rind, coriander, and cumin for a complex and sophisticated scent. It embodies the quality and elegance associated with the Cartier brand.

Burberry Brit for Men

Burberry Brit for Men is a modern take on traditional roots, offering a fresh yet classic scent. It opens with bright floral and fruity notes of bergamot orange and green mandarin, followed by warm undertones of nutmeg, grey musk, and cedar.

Thierry Mugler A*Men

This cologne features sweet top notes of coffee, patchouli, and caramel, followed by statement-making mint and lavender, and musky undertones. It is a powerful and masculine fragrance that captures attention.

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio

Released in 1996, this cologne captures the feeling of being out on the open water. It brings together sweet and salty notes, with sharp and woody undercurrents, evoking the deep and mysterious secrets of the sea.

Niche colognes

Penhaligon's

Penhaligon's is a UK-based fragrance house founded in 1870. With more than 70 fragrances in its catalog, Penhaligon's offers a wide range of choices, including modern and traditional scents. One of their most popular fragrances is the Portraits Collection, which offers a balance of modernity and tradition with 13 unique fragrances. Another standout is Much Ado About The Duke EDP, which features an irresistible combination of rose, leather, and gin and tonic notes.

Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle

Founded by the grandson of Christian Dior Parfums, this niche fragrance company focuses on complete creative freedom and the use of the best ingredients available. All the fragrances have the name of the perfumer on the bottle, a unique feature in the industry. Some of their most popular fragrances include French Lover EDP by Pierre Bourdon, Musc Ravageur EDP by Maurice Roucel, and Vetiver Extraordinaire EDP by Dominique Ropion.

D.S. & Durga

This New York-based perfumery, founded in 2007, offers a modern take on niche fragrances with small-batch productions and quirky storytelling. Their 64 fragrances range from Burnt Citrus to Rose Atlantic, and one of their most popular scents is Debaser, named after the classic Pixies song. Debaser is a fig-dominant fragrance with notes of iris, coconut milk, and tonka bean.

Creed

Creed is a Paris-based company with a rich heritage, dating back to 1760 when it was founded as a tailoring business. Today, Creed is known for its high-quality fragrances, including the cult favorite Aventus EDP. Another popular fragrance is Imperial Millesime EDP, which features ambergris, a rare and costly ingredient that gives the cologne a magnificent musky smell.

Nasomatto

Italian niche fragrance brand Nasomatto is renowned for its pure parfums, and one of their standout fragrances is Black Afgano. It is a rich, dark, and complex blend of oud, incense, resins, woods, coffee, tobacco, and even a hint of cannabis. Just a spritz or two of this cologne will last for almost an entire day.

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