The Ultimate Men's Cologne: Discover The Best Scent

Choosing the number one cologne for men is a challenging task as it is subjective and depends on individual preferences and tastes. However, there are some popular colognes that are widely loved and considered the best by many. Here is an introduction to the topic of the number one cologne for men, exploring some of the top contenders:

- Chanel Bleu de Chanel: This cologne has become one of the most popular men's fragrances worldwide since its debut in 2010. It is a woody and fresh scent with notes of citrus, labdanum, sandalwood, and cedar. It is long-lasting and versatile, making it suitable for day or night.

- Dior Sauvage: This cologne is renowned for its fresh and magnetic allure, combining notes of bergamot, pepper, and woody accords. It has earned widespread acclaim and is often considered one of the best-selling colognes for men.

- Creed Aventus: With its blend of pineapple, birch, and musk, this fragrance is an exceptional and luxurious choice for men. It is a fan favourite and is known for its longevity and strength.

- Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani: This iconic cologne captures the essence of the sea with its invigorating marine notes and refreshing citrus undertones. It has stood the test of time and is loved for its energizing and uplifting scent.

- Ralph Lauren Polo Black: A classic and bold fragrance that combines iced mango, lemon, tangerine, sandalwood, and patchouli noir for a bittersweet aroma.

- Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club: A sophisticated and cozy scent that evokes the atmosphere of a jazz club with notes of rum, tobacco, and vanilla. It is perfect for the fall and winter seasons.

- Tom Ford Oud Wood: A luxurious and expensive scent featuring oud wood, one of the most precious ingredients in perfumery. It is combined with cardamom, sandalwood, vetiver, and hints of tonka bean and amber for a warm and cozy fragrance.

- Le Labo Another 13: A hidden gem that is equal parts musky and fresh, with notes of ambroxan, jasmine, moss, and woody amber. It is a collaboration between Le Labo and Another magazine, offering a unique and slept-on fragrance.

- Paco Rabanne 1 Million: A popular choice for young men with its sophisticated masculine scent and ostentatious packaging. It features notes of frosted grapefruit, rose, musk, amber, blond leather, and white wood.

Best Overall

Acqua di Giò is a fresh, coastal fragrance that is 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 in all seasons.

Why We Love It:

Acqua di Giò is a classic, fresh scent that is masculine without being too heavy. The blend of bergamot and neroli is fresh and coastal, transporting you to a quiet Italian seaside town. While it screams summer, it has enough depth to work in all seasons.

"I will follow a man wearing this down the street," says Natasha Pearlman, Glamour's executive editor. "One of the best scents on any guy, hands down, this was the scent that made me fall for my (now) husband 18 years ago, and it’s just as popular now," says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz.

Notes:

Bergamot, neroli, green tangerine, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli

Sizes:

67 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz., 6.7 oz.

Best Budget

If you're looking for a great cologne that won't break the bank, you're in luck! There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you're looking for something versatile that will suit any occasion, or something more specialised. Here are some of the best cheap colognes for men.

Curve by Liz Claiborne for Men

This cologne is a great all-rounder and is probably the best cheap cologne out there. With top notes of pineapple, juniper, and lavender, and longer-lasting notes of cardamom, sandalwood, and black pepper, it's the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. It's extremely versatile and can be worn during the day or at night. It's also very affordable at around $20 for a 4.2 oz bottle.

Guess Seductive Homme by Guess

This cologne stands out for its intoxicating scent. With opening notes of mandarin orange and a sweet and lingering scent, it's a unique fragrance that deserves classic status. It has a warm and smooth aroma with mellow ingredients like pink pepper and cardamom milk, paired with a slight orchid note. It's a great choice for making an impression and costs around $40 for a 3.4 oz bottle.

Versace Pour Homme by Gianni Versace for Men

If you're looking for a blend of floral and masculine, this Versace scent is a great choice. With citrusy top notes that give way to floral sage and hyacinth, and base notes of amber and musk, it's a sophisticated and versatile fragrance suitable for all weather and occasions. It's a little pricier at around $41 for 1.7 oz, but it's a high-quality fragrance from a well-known brand.

Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche

Drakkar Noir is an affordable cologne that has been a favourite of men of all ages since its launch in 1982. With notes of citrus, spice, and subtle fruit, it has a unique, even scent that lasts from afternoon until the early hours of the morning. It's a strong and intense fragrance that takes confidence to pull off. It's a great choice for those who want something spicy and sharp, and it costs around $30 for a 1.7 oz bottle.

Nautica Voyage by Nautica for Men

This is a great everyday fragrance with a clean, crisp, and fresh scent. With notes of amber, cedarwood, green leaf, and apple, it's a manly musk that's both striking and subtle. It's a wildly popular scent, with over 72,000 positive reviews on Amazon, and it's perfect for summertime. It has good longevity, lasting for around 7 hours on the skin. It costs around $30 for a 3.4 oz bottle.

Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger for Men

This is a great choice for young guys, with a clean, fresh, and distinctive aroma dominated by citrus notes. It has a well-rounded smell, with juicy apple cut by the tart bitterness of cranberry and grapefruit. It's a strong and long-lasting fragrance that reviewers prefer during the day. It costs around $30 for a 3.3 oz bottle.

Other Honourable Mentions

• Versace Man Eau Fraiche by Gianni Versace for Men
• F Black by Salvatore Ferragamo
• Calvin Klein CK Everyone
• Quorum by Antonio Puig for Men
• Halston Z-14 by Halston for Men
• Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man
• Spice & Black Vanilla by Cremo

Best for Winter

Winter colognes are usually heavier than summer scents, with a higher concentration of long-lasting base notes. They are typically warm, spicy, woody, musky, and sweet. Here are some of the best colognes for men to wear in winter:

Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau de Toilette

Spicebomb blends fresh spicy, citrus, and woody notes with warm cinnamon and a subtle tobacco accord. It's a versatile fragrance that's appropriate for any occasion and has average longevity, lasting a whole day.

Giorgio Armani Stronger With You Eau de Toilette

A sweet and spicy fragrance that's also light and clean, making it a great choice for those new to sweeter winter fragrances. The sugared chestnut, spicy cardamom and pink peppercorn, and clean sage and lavender notes create a well-balanced scent. It has above-average longevity, lasting a day on the skin and longer on clothes, with moderate projection.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille

Tobacco Vanille is a popular winter fragrance that blends spices, tobacco, and vanilla. It opens with sweet and spicy notes of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, with a mellow tobacco presence throughout. It has excellent performance, with over 10 hours of longevity and strong projection.

Parfums de Marly Carlisle

Carlisle is a luxurious and well-balanced niche fragrance with a warm, spicy, woody, and slightly vanilla-based scent. It opens with sweet, spicy, and warm notes of green apple and nutmeg, with a dry tobacco-like accord. It has above-average longevity, lasting 12+ hours, and is suitable for special occasions or daily wear.

Ralph Lauren Polo Green

Polo Green is a classic winter fragrance with notes of pine that complement the season. It's rich, warm, and intriguing, with a modern formulation that's perfectly acceptable, although some prefer the original 1978 version.

Frederic Malle Monsieur

Monsieur is a bold and sexy masculine scent with a dominant patchouli note on the skin, complemented by warm cedar, suede, and incense base notes. It has a synthetic-smelling Iso E top note that dissipates within 15 minutes.

Santa Maria Novella Tabacco Toscano

Tabacco Toscano is a smooth and elegant alternative to bolder fragrances, with a dominant vanilla note on the dry down, complemented by wood, leather, and tobacco. It's an underground classic that always gets tons of compliments.

Creed Original Santal

Original Santal is a versatile, everyday fragrance with a touch of sweetness. It's distinct yet inoffensive, transitioning well to special occasions. It's a niche, old-school, and classic option that will garner many compliments.

Guerlain L'Homme Idéal

L'Homme Idéal is a refined, unassuming, and inoffensive woody aromatic fragrance, perfect for daily wear. It's the lightest fragrance on this list, with a slightly sharp initial spray that dries down smoothly to reveal leather, cedar, and vetiver.

Best for Summer

If you're looking for a cologne that's perfect for summer, look no further than Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme. This bright and elegant cologne combines citrus and delicate floral notes with a base of amber to create a scent that's like summer in a bottle. It's not overwhelming, making it a great choice for daytime wear, whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying dinner al fresco. The packaging reflects the fragrance's clean and airy feel, with cloudy glass and minimalistic design. With a lasting scent and versatile appeal, it's no wonder this cologne is a favourite for the warmer months.

Another excellent option for summer is Gucci the Alchemist's Garden, which one reviewer describes as smelling like a "warm summer hug". This unique fragrance is part of Gucci's high perfumery line and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

For a classic summer scent, Acqua di Parma Colonia is a great choice. This citrusy fragrance has key notes of lemon, sweet orange, and Calabrian bergamot, resulting in a fresh and timeless aroma. Its art deco-inspired bottle adds to the overall sophistication of this cologne, making it a perfect choice for those who want a versatile and refined fragrance for the summer season.

If you're seeking a more affordable option, Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla is an excellent choice. This warm and slightly sweet fragrance has surprising staying power and is ideal for summer evenings or cooler summer days. Its elegant packaging and approachable price point make it a fantastic option without breaking the bank.

Lastly, for a fresh and airy summer scent, consider Chanel Bleu de Chanel. This bright and understated fragrance combines citrus with earthy notes of cedar and sandalwood. Its lasting power and versatility have made it a popular choice for both day and night, and its recognisable bottle adds to its appeal.

Best for Date Night

When it comes to date night, you'll want a scent that's alluring, memorable, and perhaps a little bit sexy. Here are some of the best colognes for men that fit the bill:

Versace Eros Eau de Parfum

This cologne is an excellent choice for date night as it is intense, sexy, and playful. It opens with fresh, citrusy notes of mint, orange, and woody vanilla, before settling into woodsy cedarwood and hints of vanilla. The result is a vibrant and versatile fragrance that's perfect for a fun and flirty evening. The blue bottle is also a bold statement, reflecting the flamboyant designs that Versace is known for.

Kilian Old Fashioned Eau de Parfum

Kilian's latest offering is an elegant and sensual fragrance that captures the essence of a classic Old Fashioned cocktail. With notes of wheat absolute, davana essence, cedarwood, and tolu balm, it's a rich yet balanced scent that's sure to leave a lasting impression. It's an ideal choice for a date night as it's alluring without being overpowering, allowing you to make an impression without overwhelming your date.

Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club

Imagine yourself in a dimly lit jazz club, sipping on a cocktail, surrounded by the scent of cigars and leather. This cologne captures that atmosphere perfectly with its warm and spicy notes of pink pepper, rum, and tobacco. It's an excellent choice for date night, especially during the fall and winter months when you want to feel cozy and inviting. The scent is long-lasting and lingers on the skin, so you can be sure that your date will be thinking about you long after the night is over.

Chanel Bleu de Chanel

This is a versatile and understated scent that's easy to wear and perfect for date night. It's a woody fragrance with notes of cedar and sandalwood, brightened by zesty grapefruit. Bleu de Chanel has become one of the most popular men's fragrances since its release in 2010, and its timeless appeal makes it an ideal choice for a romantic evening. It's a scent that strikes a balance between freshness and earthiness, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions.

Dior Sauvage Elixir Parfum

Dior Sauvage is a popular choice for men's cologne, and the Elixir version takes it up a notch, making it perfect for date night. This spicy fragrance has a nice bite to it, with a signature licorice-tinged zing that makes it memorable. The combination of licorice, lavender, and nutmeg creates a scent that's perfect for the colder months and date nights, as it's both warm and captivating.

Frequently asked questions