When it comes to men's cologne, there are endless options to choose from, and it can be challenging to find a scent that women will love. While scent preferences vary among individuals, some colognes stand out as favourites among women. Here's an introduction to the topic of what men's cologne do women like best? to help guide your search for the perfect fragrance.
Women's preferences for men's cologne often include woody, citrus, and aromatic accents with a focus on notes such as cedar, mint, and grapefruit. Versatile fragrances that can be worn during the day or night and suit various occasions are also appealing. Additionally, the brand, packaging, and marketing can influence a woman's perception of a cologne.
Some popular colognes that women tend to favour include Bleu de Chanel, Dior Sauvage, Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, and Calvin Klein CK One. These colognes offer fresh, citrus, and woody scents that are often considered attractive. Other notable mentions include Versace Eros, Gucci Guilty Eau Pour Homme, and Tom Ford Noir, which exude masculinity and sophistication.
When choosing a cologne, it's essential to consider your skin type and sensitivity to certain ingredients. Opting for hypoallergenic or natural ingredient-based colognes can be a safer choice for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, sampling different scents to understand how they evolve throughout the day can help you find a fragrance that complements your natural body chemistry.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Season | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
Occasion | Day, Night |
Formality | Formal, Casual |
Projection | Moderate, Strong, Powerful, Low, Soft, Heavy |
Performance | Long-lasting, Moderate, About 3-10 hours |
Top Notes | Citrus, Bergamot, Lemon, Grapefruit, Cardamom, Coriander, Lavender, Basil, Ginger, Mint, Pepper, Nutmeg, Violet Leaves, Green Apple, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Rosewood, Oakmoss, Sicilian Mandarin, Frozen Grapefruit Peel, Juniper, Rosemary, Szechuan Pepper, Grapefruit Peel |
Middle Notes | Jasmine, Rose, Geranium, Violet, Iris, Sage, Nutmeg, Orris, Amber, Sandalwood, Cedar, Cardamom, Orange Blossom, Leather, Birch, Musk, Pink Berries, Oakmoss, Artemisia, Basil, Thyme, Tobacco, Patchouli, Lavender, Coriander, Vanilla, Orchid, Violet, Vetiver, Cumin, Orange Blossom, Cardamom |
Base Notes | Musk, Amber, Sandalwood, Cedar, Vanilla, Oakmoss, Tonka Bean, Tobacco, Patchouli, Ambergris, Tobacco Leaves, Labdanum, Benzoin, Guaiac Wood, Black Amber, Violet, Jasmine, Orchid, Spices, Fruity Notes, Lotus, Jasmine, Patchouli, Vanilla, Incense, Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Musk, Chocolate, Patchouli, Vanille, Incense, Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Musk |
What You'll Learn
Citrus scents
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
This cologne offers a light, fresh, crisp, and clean aquatic fragrance with citrusy notes. While some detect a floral note, it is actually rosewood. It includes top notes of Sicilian mandarin, frozen grapefruit peel, and bergamot, with rosemary, Szechuan pepper, and rosewood at its heart. The base notes are musk wood, incense, and oakmoss. This cologne is perfect for casual daytime wear in the spring or summer, with moderate projection and performance.
Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
This cologne is a blend of vetiver, an earthy aromatic scent, with salty notes, woods, and citrus. It has top notes of vetiver, orange flower, and grapefruit, followed by middle notes of aromatic sage and orris. The base notes include pimento, amber woods, and oakmoss. It is a sophisticated, masculine, mature, and distinguished fragrance suitable for both day and night, all year round.
Acqua di Parma Colonia Pura
This unisex fragrance was launched in 2017 as a modern interpretation of the classic Acqua di Parma. It has top notes of bergamot and orange, with white floral middle notes, and base notes of patchouli, white musk, and cedarwood, making it more masculine than feminine. It is a sunny, uplifting, and calming scent, perfect for daytime wear in the spring or summer.
Dior Homme Cologne Eau de Toilette by Dior
This cologne is one of the best citrus scents for men, offering a well-priced fresh citrus smell. It has top notes of Calabrian bergamot, grapefruit blossom heart, and a white musk base. It is perfectly balanced, fresh, and clean, ideal for wearing around the house, to the office, or during weekends with friends. However, it may not be the best choice for formal occasions, and its longevity could be better.
MYSLF Eau de Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent
This addictive scent could become your new signature. It has bergamot top notes, Tunisian orange blossom middle notes, and a patchouli and ambrofix base. While some critics note a heavy amount of vanilla and floral notes in the dry-down, our testing found a balanced amount, making it perfect for wearing around town, to the office, or on first dates.
Pacific Chill by Louis Vuitton
Inspired by the West Coast, this fragrance is a unique take on fresh, citrusy scents. It features top notes of citron, orange, mint, lemon, black currant, coriander, apricot, basil, and carrot seeds. Its performance is great, with a longer-lasting projection of 5-6 hours on the skin. It is perfect for the office, date nights, and cocktail evenings in warmer months.
Timeless by Clive Christian
This timeless and unique fragrance is one of the king's citrus scents. It has top notes of lime, bitter orange, and ginger, followed by middle notes of mint, lavender, coriander, and nutmeg. The base notes include vetiver, musk, amber, and leather. It is incredibly long-lasting, with a projection of more than 10 hours on the skin. It is perfect for the office and formal settings like dinner parties and awards ceremonies.
Acqua di Parma Colonia
This classic fragrance was created in 1916 and has stood the test of time. It is a blend of citrus from start to finish, with top notes of lemon, sweet orange, and Calabrian bergamot, and middle notes of lavender, Bulgarian rose, verbena, and rosemary. The base notes of vetiver, sandalwood, and patchouli provide a hint of spice.
Creed Neroli Sauvage
This cologne will instantly revitalise you with just one spray. It has bright top notes of bergamot, bitter orange, grapefruit, lemon, neroli, and verbena. The heart notes of orange blossom captivate, and the base notes of ambergris further enchant. It will transport you to enchanting Italian gardens of days gone by.
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum
This cologne will transport you to the sparkling waters of Portofino with its intoxicating scent. It bursts with notes of orange flower, lavender, and winter yellow mandarin, layered with Sicilian lemon, Italian bergamot, and Tunisian neroli. It is a feast for the senses with an international flavour.
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Woody fragrances
Wonderwood by Comme des Garcons
This fragrance is bursting with guaiac wood, cedarwood, sandalwood, and oud. Wonderwood is the softest, warmest, and most well-balanced woody fragrance on this list, with all the right elements. It has smokiness from incense and patchouli, spiciness from top notes of Madagascar pepper, and depth from its base of vetiver. The real kicker is cashmeran, a synthetic ingredient with a hint of fruit and vanilla that gives the fragrance tons of body and a genuinely delicious scent. Wonderwood is approachable, light, and creamy, making it perfect for any season, day or night.
Terre d'Hermes
Terre d'Hermes is a fresh, woody scent with spicy, citrus accords. It exudes a citrus brightness from grapefruit orange that turns vivacious thanks to exuberant pepper and the steely aroma of flint. It eventually mellows and deepens on the skin from the prickly, slightly cooling effect of cedar. This graceful scent is versatile but truly comes alive in the crispness of autumn.
Bleu de Chanel
This timeless classic from Chanel is sharp, citrusy, and inviting. It boasts a sweet woodsy vibe that enchants those who encounter it. It has top notes of grapefruit, mint, and bergamot, with middle notes of jasmine and a base of cedar and tonka bean. Bleu de Chanel is mass-appealing and can be worn day or night.
Gucci Guilty
Gucci Guilty is a straightforward, attractive scent with a clean opening, spice in the middle, and a woody dry-down. It has winning floral citrus top notes of lemon, pink pepper, and lavender that mellow out into a delicious combo of fresh cedar, patchouli, and creamy vanilla at the base. This linear scent is safe and approachable, making it perfect for guys new to the fragrance game.
Le Labo Santal 33
Le Labo's Santal 33 is an earthy, elegant, and expensive-smelling fragrance. It's a sandalwood scent with a floral sweet powderiness thanks to violet accord and iris that lingers underneath. Its notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, and leather thrive in the cooler months.
Other Notable Woody Fragrances:
- Chanel Bleu de Chanel
- Tom Ford Oud Wood
- Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum
- Maison Margiela Replica 'By the Fireplace'
- Cartier Pasha Noir Absolu Eau de Parfum
- Penhaligon's Babylon Eau de Parfum
- Kilian Sacred Wood Eau de Parfum
- BVLGARI MAN Rain Essence Cologne
- DIPTYQUE Eau Nabati Eau de Parfum
- Terre d’Hermes Parfum by Hermes
- Gentleman Society by Givenchy
- Endymion by Penhaligon’s
- Bleu Noir for Him Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez
- Gentleman Reserve Privée by Givenchy
- Dior Sauvage Elixir
- Bleu de Chanel EDP
- Acqua di Parma, Blu Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi
- Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
- Paco Rabane 1 Million Intense
- Dolce and Gabbana Intenso Eau de Parfum
- Vetrarian Lalique Encre Noire
- Bentley Intense for Men
- Diesel Only the Brave
- Cremo Blue Cedar and Cypress
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Fruity notes
Creed Aventus
Aventus by Creed is a luxurious and fruity scent with wood and spice notes to temper its sweetness. It features crisp top notes of apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, and bergamot, with heftier heart and base notes including birch, patchouli, vanilla, and musk. This cologne is perfect for special occasions or upscale events and can be worn year-round thanks to its cool, earthy undertones.
Hugo Boss Boss
This cologne by Hugo Boss is a cult classic, with fruity and citrus top notes of apple, lemon, and plum balanced against a hefty floral and spicy base, including geranium, sandalwood, and vetiver. It's a timeless, masculine scent that's perfect for everyday wear.
Chanel Allure Homme Sport
Chanel's Allure Homme Sport is a sporty and casual fragrance with a sophisticated edge. It features top notes of blood orange, sea spray, and mandarin, with middle notes of pepper and cedar, and base notes of tonka bean, vanilla, and white musk. This cologne is perfect for daytime wear, especially during the spring and summer months.
Lacoste Pour Homme EDT
Lacoste Pour Homme EDT is a fruity, woody, and spicy fragrance. It has top notes of plum, apple, and grapefruit, a heart of juniper, cinnamon, and pink pepper, and a base of rum, vanilla, and musk. This cologne will enhance your allure and ensure your scent is memorable.
Dior Sauvage
Dior Sauvage is a versatile and captivating cologne with fruity and vanilla notes. It has top notes of bergamot, middle notes of pepper, and base notes of vanilla and amber. This cologne is perfect for building confidence and is a great choice for date nights or evenings out.
Bleu de Chanel
Bleu de Chanel is a surprising and magnetic fragrance that has been a powerhouse for over a decade. It features bold cedar notes, intoxicating sandalwood, and hints of vanilla. It's a timeless, chic, and manly scent that's perfect for date nights or everyday wear.
These colognes showcase how fruity notes can add a fresh and appealing dimension to a cologne, making them irresistible to women.
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Vanilla and musk
Vanilla
- Coach Platinum by Coach: This cologne combines vanilla with spices and fruit notes, making it ideal for warmer months. It has subtle vanilla notes that enhance the composition without overwhelming it.
- Levaté by AlphaTouch: A bold, head-turning aroma that blends vanilla with oud, saffron, and amber. It also contains AT-Phero™, a formula that may boost confidence.
- Maison Margiela Jazz Club: A boozy, spicy, and smoky vanilla fragrance with notes of rum, tobacco, and vanilla bean. It's an intoxicating scent perfect for winter.
- Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme: A boozy vanilla cologne with notes of tobacco, vanilla, and bourbon. It's an explosive, peppery citrus scent perfect for colder months.
- Valentino Uomo Intense: A soft yet masculine cologne that combines vanilla with leather and tonka bean, brightened with mandarin and florals.
- Chanel Allure Homme Sport: An aromatic, musky vanilla cologne with top notes of orange and mandarin. It's a cool and fresh scent perfect for spring and summer.
- Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille: A legendary, luxurious, and long-lasting vanilla cologne with notes of tobacco, cacao, and bitter chocolate.
- The Body Shop Vanilla Mist: A simple and affordable vanilla cologne with 96% natural ingredients and a recycled glass bottle.
- Maison Margiela Coffee Break: A coffee and vanilla cologne with notes of pepper, orange blossom, patchouli, and vanilla. It's a casual and inviting scent perfect for fall and winter.
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood: A long-lasting and luxurious vanilla cologne with notes of oud, rose, and violet. It's a confident and attention-grabbing scent.
Musk
- Kiehl's Musk Eau de Toilette Spray: A classic musk cologne that has stood the test of time, unchanged since it was developed in the 1920s.
- Chanel Bleu De Chanel: A fresh and sophisticated musk cologne with amber and woody notes, perfect for impressing a date.
- Tom Ford Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum: A modern and sexy cologne with leather, tobacco, and woody notes, with a dash of floral.
- Molton Brown Milk Musk: A subtle musk cologne that blends musk with warm vanilla, amber, and white cedar.
- Diptyque Fleur de Peau: A floral and musky cologne with notes of iris, musk, and aldehydes, creating a clean and soapy quality.
- Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur: An iconic and seductive musk fragrance with a burst of freshness from bergamot, mandarin, and lavender.
- Initio Magnetic Blend 7: A light and noticeable musk cologne that can be worn on its own or layered with another scent.
- Creed Aventus: A bold and masculine cologne with notes of fresh citrus, warm woods, and earthy musk.
- Ralph Lauren Polo Blue: A mix of aquatic and fresh elements with deep musky base notes, creating an iconic and versatile fragrance.
- Fulton & Roark Tybee Solid Cologne: A light and summery musk scent with notes of rosewood and cedar, perfect for the beach.
- Creed: A classic and sexy musk cologne first released in 1973.
These vanilla and musk colognes offer a range of options to suit different preferences and occasions, and they are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Mint and aquatic fragrances
Bleu de Chanel:
Bleu de Chanel is a timeless classic that has been a favourite among women for over a decade. It has fresh, citrusy top notes of grapefruit, mint, and bergamot, with a hint of jasmine. The heart notes include amber and cedar, giving it a warm and inviting scent. This cologne is perfect for daily wear and has a clean, attractive smell.
Dior Sauvage:
Dior Sauvage is a versatile cologne that can be worn during the day or for a night out. It has raw, fresh notes of bergamot and vanilla, with a hint of pepper. This cologne is often considered seductive and is likely to leave a lasting impression. Its scent is complex and versatile, making it a popular choice for men.
Nautica Voyage:
Nautica Voyage is an affordable yet sophisticated option for men's cologne. It has subtle, fresh, and long-lasting aquatic notes of green apple, cedar, and florals. This cologne is a cult favourite and offers a clean, uncomplicated scent that is perfect for daily wear.
Ralph Lauren Polo Red:
Ralph Lauren's Polo Red is a bold and aromatic cologne with spicy and citrusy notes. It features grapefruit, lavender, saffron, lemon, sage, and redwood, creating an energetic and vibrant fragrance. This cologne is a classic choice and is sure to make a statement.
Versace Eros:
Versace Eros is a fresh and energetic cologne with aquatic and woody notes. It combines mint, orange, and woody vanilla with geranium, sage, and cedarwood. This cologne is perfect for summer and will leave you feeling refreshed, like taking a dip in the pool.
Frédéric Malle Geranium Pour Monsieur:
This cologne, created in collaboration with master French perfumer Dominique Ropion, is described as "like an eccentric Englishman in a blue velvet jacket." It has bright top notes of mint, aniseed, and geranium, with base notes of sandalwood and frankincense. This cologne is unique and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Frequently asked questions
Women tend to be drawn to spicier and woodier fragrances during the colder months. Some popular options include Dior Sauvage, Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, and John Varvatos Artisan Black.
During the warmer months, women often prefer men's colognes with fruity or aquatic notes. Options such as Chanel Allure Homme Sport, Versace Eros, and Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue are ideal for hot summer days.
Yes, women often find certain notes particularly appealing. These include citrus, vanilla, musk, and woody notes such as cedar and sandalwood.
Absolutely! Some colognes that women tend to like for their versatility include Calvin Klein CK One, Bleu de Chanel, and Gucci Guilty Pour Homme. These fragrances can be worn during the day or night and are suitable for both casual and formal occasions.