Best Places To Buy Amazing Colognes

There are many places where you can buy good cologne, both in-store and online. If you're looking for a bargain, Costco, Ross, TJ Maxx, and Burlington Coat Factory are great options for discounted cologne. Online, you can find good deals on Amazon, FragranceX, FragranceNet, and Perfume.com. If you're looking for a specific brand or scent, most department stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Sephora will carry a range of options.

Online retailers

While it may seem like a bad idea to buy cologne online without smelling it first, there are many benefits to shopping for cologne online. The selection is endless, which means you can find something unique that no one else is wearing. Online retailers also tend to offer better deals and discounts than brick-and-mortar stores.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom is a great option for buying cologne online. They offer a wide range of designer brands at mid-range to slightly higher prices. They also have a very flexible return policy, allowing returns and exchanges with no time limits. Additionally, they often hold an anniversary sale during the summer, where you can find great deals on cologne.

Jomashop

Jomashop is known for its selection of luxury watches, but they also carry thousands of men's fragrances. You can find top-shelf brands like Dior, Armani, and Tom Ford, as well as niche favourites from Diptyque and the House of Creed. They frequently have sales, so you can get great deals on luxury and niche colognes. However, their website can sometimes be a bit difficult to navigate.

FragranceNet

FragranceNet is one of the biggest perfume retailers in the world, offering heavily discounted prices. You can find fragrances for up to 80% off retail prices. They have been in business since 1997 and are a legitimate site for buying authentic colognes. While some people have experienced shipping delays or order mishaps, overall, they have countless positive reviews across social media.

Scentbird

Scentbird offers a unique subscription model for cologne. For a monthly fee of about $17, they will send you a vial of a different fragrance each month to try out. This is a great way to explore new scents without committing to a full bottle. You can take a quiz on your scent preferences, and they will send you a fragrance that matches your style.

FragranceX

FragranceX is another online retailer that offers a wide selection of perfumes and colognes at highly discounted prices. They have been in business since 1995 and guarantee the authenticity of their products. You can find designer fragrances as well as some higher-end colognes from brands like Creed and Tom Ford. They offer free shipping on orders over $35 and have a loyalty program where you can earn points and get discounts on future purchases.

Amazon

While Amazon may not be the first place that comes to mind for cologne shopping, they do offer a wide variety of options, including designer scents and niche fragrances. However, it can be challenging to ensure the authenticity of the products, especially when purchasing from third-party sellers. To minimise the risk of buying counterfeit products, look for items sold or fulfilled directly by Amazon and take advantage of Prime shipping whenever possible.

Department stores

In the US, you can try Ross or TJ Maxx, which are known for their low prices. One person on Reddit reported buying a $40 bottle of cologne from Burlington Coat Factory for only $15. Another recommended Nordstrom, which offers free shipping and returns, and the option to walk into a physical shop to ask for a sample vial.

If you are looking for a bargain, you could try discount stores such as TJ Maxx or Ross, or even Amazon, although be aware that Amazon colognes may be fake or lower grade.

If you are looking for a specific brand, you could try a department store such as Dillard's, Macy's or Belk.

If you are looking for a deal, one person on Reddit reported that prices crash in May and June, and it's also worth looking for cologne gift sets which go on sale after Christmas.

Discount websites

• FragranceX: The largest fragrance outlet in America, FragranceX offers a wide range of perfumes and colognes for both men and women, including hard-to-find and discontinued fragrances. They offer international shipping to over 220 countries and have a customer support team that can be reached via chat, email, phone, and fax. They accept various payment methods, including major credit cards and PayPal.
• FragranceNet: A trusted American beauty company operating since 1997, FragranceNet has shipped over 30 million packages and sold over $1 billion in beauty products. They offer regular discounts ranging from 10% to 80% and have a Coupon Program that gives customers 25% off. They offer free standard shipping for orders over $59 within the US and international shipping, which takes 4-15 business days. FragranceNet accepts various payment methods, including major credit cards, PayPal, and more.
• Perfume.com: Perfume.com is owned by FragranceX and offers more than 13,000 women's and men's fragrances. They have a membership and coupon program that allows customers to save even more through regular promotions. Shipping is free for orders over $35 within the US and takes 2-5 business days. Worldwide shipping is also available and takes 4-12 business days. Perfume.com accepts various payment methods, including major credit cards and PayPal.
• MaxAroma: A New York-based company operating since 2010, MaxAroma offers a massive range of designer and niche fragrances, as well as wholesale and dropshipping programs. They offer free domestic shipping within the United States, and delivery takes 5-8 business days. They accept returns within 30 days of purchase for unused items. MaxAroma accepts various payment methods, including PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, and more.
• Fragrancebuy: The biggest fragrance discounter website in Canada, Fragrancebuy offers a wide variety of authentic designer and niche fragrances for men and women. They offer regular deals and promotions, and shipping takes 1-9 business days within Canada and 5 business days to the United States for a fee. Their return policy allows for returns within 14 days of purchase for unused, unopened items. Fragrancebuy accepts PayPal and major credit cards.
• Luckyscent: Operating since 2002, Luckyscent offers a large collection of perfumes, including rare brands, as well as candles and grooming products. They offer sample packs based on new brands or particular themes. Shipping within the continental US takes 3-5 business days, but delivery times and costs can increase for shipments outside this area. Their return policy allows for returns within 30 days for unused, undamaged items. Luckyscent accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and PayPal.
• Notino: Notino offers a huge range of 55,000 products, including makeup, hair and body care, and more. They have weekly sales with additional discounts and offer free delivery on certain products. Their return policy allows for returns within 90 days. Notino accepts Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.
• Amazon: As the largest online store in the world, Amazon offers a great selection of reputable sellers and official perfume brands. They have a good review system that helps customers identify trustworthy sellers. Amazon offers Prime shipping and flexible return policies. They accept various payment methods, including major credit cards, prepaid credit cards, and gift cards.
• Strawberrynet: Strawberrynet offers more than 33,000 products from over 800 brands, with free shipping worldwide. They have a vast selection of designer and niche fragrances and a reward program that allows customers to earn shopping points on every purchase. They have a flexible three-month return policy. Strawberrynet accepts all major credit cards.
• Fragrance Direct: The biggest fragrance discount website in the United Kingdom, Fragrance Direct stocks over 14,000 products across 600 brands, including niche and designer fragrances. They offer various promotions and discounts, including 10% off for students. They offer free delivery for orders over £25 within the UK and international shipping for a fee. Fragrance Direct accepts major credit cards.

Subscription services

Scentbird

Scentbird is one of the most well-known cologne subscription services available. For $16.95 to $37 per month, you'll receive an 8-mL (0.27-oz) vial of your choice of cologne each month, with the option to add on additional fragrances for an extra charge. Scentbird offers a wide range of designer and niche fragrances to choose from, and you can also purchase full-size bottles at a discount. The brand also provides detailed scent descriptions and categorizations, making it easy to find a fragrance that suits your tastes.

Scent Box

Scent Box is another popular cologne subscription service, offering access to over 850 designer fragrances. The standard plan starts at $17 per month, with the option to upgrade to premium or platinum plans for access to additional high-end fragrances. Each month, you'll receive a 30-day supply of fragrance (0.27 ounces or 8 milliliters) in a fun, travel-safe atomizer case. Scent Box also offers a rewards program where you can earn "Scent Bucks" to redeem on future purchases.

Debonair Scent

Debonair Scent is a great option for those who want a more curated experience. For $15 per month, you'll receive three 3-mL bottles of cologne selected from designer and niche brands based on your scent profile. Each box also includes a $15 shop offer that can be used to purchase a full-sized bottle. The packaging is chic and minimalist, making it a stylish option for fragrance enthusiasts.

Olfactif

Olfactif is perfect for those who want to try unique, niche fragrances from around the world. For $20 per month, you'll receive a curated selection of three 2-mL spray vials of premium fragrances. Olfactif also offers a deluxe membership that includes six fragrances (three masculine and three feminine scents) for $38 per month. As a member, you'll also receive exclusive discounts on full bottles and à la carte samples.

LUXSB (Luxury Scent Box)

LUXSB is a fragrance subscription service that offers designer and luxury fragrances from brands like Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. For $15.95 per month, you'll receive a 9-mL (0.3-oz) sample of your chosen fragrance, which is larger than what most other services offer. LUXSB also provides a complimentary new case for your fragrance vial every quarter.

Community forums

When it comes to buying cologne, there are a variety of options and considerations to keep in mind, as discussed in community forums. Here are some insights gathered from these discussions:

Department Stores and Specialty Retailers:

• Ross and TJ Maxx are commonly recommended for their low prices on name-brand colognes, often at half the price of other retailers.
• Burlington Coat Factory offers similar deals, with significant discounts on cologne.
• Sephora and Ulta are mentioned as places to get samples of name-brand colognes.
• Fine Accoutrements, a brand that offers high-quality colognes and aftershaves at affordable prices, is also suggested. Their products can be found on the Wicked_Edge subreddit and through online offers.

Online Shopping:

• Amazon is a popular option, but users caution against potential knock-offs and advise checking seller ratings and reviews.
• EBay is another online marketplace where users have found good deals on cologne, especially from reputable sellers offering testers or discontinued fragrances.
• Other recommended websites include fragrancex.com, perfumania.com, and myperfumesamples.com, which offer discounts and samples.

Discount Stores:

• Dollar stores are suggested for those who want a bargain without being particular about the brand.
• Big Lots is mentioned for its surprisingly good knock-off colognes at very low prices.

Timing and Strategies:

• It is suggested that cologne prices tend to crash in May and June, so shopping during this period can be advantageous.
• Outlet malls are recommended for finding discounted cologne, though the selection may vary.
• Buying "testers" or fragrances without the fancy packaging can result in significant savings.
• Some users suggest making your own cologne with essential oils and ethanol, which can be a cost-effective and unique option.
• Taking advantage of post-Christmas sales, where cologne gift sets can be heavily discounted, is also recommended.

Frequently asked questions