Women have different preferences when it comes to men's cologne, but some popular choices include Chanel Bleu de Chanel, Dior Sauvage, Nautica Voyage, and Yves Saint Laurent Y.
Chanel Bleu de Chanel is a fresh, woody fragrance with notes of citrus, cedar, and sandalwood. It's an iconic scent that has been a top-seller for years and is known for its versatility, making it suitable for both day and night wear.
Dior Sauvage is another popular choice, with its fresh and spicy notes of grapefruit, lavender, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom. It's an elegant and versatile cologne that can be worn during the day or on a date night.
For a more affordable option, Nautica Voyage is a cult favourite with its subtle, fresh, and long-lasting scent. It evokes the crisp, cool water with its blend of green apple, cedar, and florals, offering an uncomplicated and clean fragrance.
Lastly, Yves Saint Laurent Y is a bold and sultry signature fragrance from the brand, with citrus and apple notes that draw you in and vetiver and tonka bean that keep it interesting.
While preferences vary, these colognes have received positive reviews and are worth considering if you're looking to make a lasting impression.
Best Overall
Why we love it
A classic, 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 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.
Family
Fresh
Notes
Bergamot, neroli, green tangerine, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli
Sizes
67 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz., 6.7 oz.
Honorable mentions
- Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
- Dior Sauvage Elixir
- Nautica Voyage Eau de Toilette
- Mugler AMen Fantasm Eau de Parfum
- Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum
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Best for The Boardroom
When it comes to making an impression in the boardroom, you need a cologne that's bold and authoritative without being too aggressive. Here are some options that fit the bill:
Tom Ford Noir Extreme Parfum
Warm, velvety notes of cardamom, amber, and sandalwood make this fragrance intense yet balanced. It's spicy and masculine, commanding attention without overpowering the room. It's the perfect choice for those who want to exude confidence and power.
Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
This iconic fragrance is a fresh, luxurious mix of grapefruit, cedar, and sandalwood. It's masculine without being overwhelming, making it ideal for daytime wear. The scent is versatile and can transition from day to night as the warmer sandalwood notes emerge. Bleu de Chanel is one of the top-selling men's fragrances worldwide, and its magnetic cap and dark blue bottle add to its allure.
Dior Sauvage Elixir
This cologne is a spicier, longer-lasting version of the classic Dior Sauvage. It has notes of grapefruit, lavender, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom, creating a fresh, spicy, and earthy blend. Its versatility makes it suitable for both daytime and nighttime wear, and it strikes the perfect balance between making a statement and being subtle.
Ralph Lauren Polo Black
A bold fusion of iced mango, lemon, tangerine, and woody notes, this fragrance is a classic that stands the test of time. It's aromatic and bittersweet, making it the perfect scent to get noticed in a professional setting.
Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme
With notes of bitter orange, oakwood, and vetiver, this cologne exudes a classic quality. It's the perfect gift for men who want to cozy up with their chosen scent. It has a toasty, earthy feel that will make you want to snuggle up by the fire with a glass of dark liquor.
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Best Daytime
Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette is an iconic fragrance and one of the top-selling men's fragrances in the world. It's a fresh, luxurious mix of grapefruit, cedar, and sandalwood, making it masculine without being overpowering, and ideal for daytime wear. The scent is extremely versatile and can be worn at night as well, especially if you let it dry down a bit to let the warmer sandalwood notes emerge. It's a cologne that evolves throughout the day yet remains identifiable, leaving an impression without creating a cloud of fragrance.
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò is a fresh, coastal fragrance that is masculine without being too heavy. The blend of bergamot and neroli will transport you to a quiet Italian seaside town. Although it evokes summer, it is grounded enough to work all year round. It's a classic, masculine scent that has garnered compliments and left wearers feeling confident.
Ralph Lauren Polo Black is a bold fusion of iced mango, lemon, tangerine, sandalwood, sage, and patchouli noir, resulting in a bittersweet, aromatic scent that is sure to get you noticed. It's a classic that stands the test of time and is ideal for daytime wear.
Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club is a sophisticated, smooth, and cozy scent that greets you with sweet rum and spicy pepper, grounded with smoky tobacco leaf and warm vanilla. The sweetness dissipates over time, allowing the tobacco and vanilla to shine through. It is well-balanced, has long-lasting power, and evokes confidence in the wearer, making it a great daytime fragrance.
Chanel Bleu de Chanel is a bright and understated scent that is easy to wear. It is one of the most popular men's fragrances in the world, with a woody base of cedar and sandalwood, balanced by zesty grapefruit. It has long-lasting power and consistently smells great across all fabrics, making it an ideal daytime fragrance.
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Best Aquatic
Aquatic colognes are inspired by water, usually the ocean, and are sometimes referred to as oceanic or marine fragrances. They often feature 'saltier' ingredients such as seaweed, oakmoss, or cedarwood to create a fresh marine scent. Here are some of the best aquatic colognes for men:
- Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani: A dark aquatic fragrance with spicy and smoky undertones provided by its incense note. It has a masculine, refined composition that is perfect for summertime spent on the coast.
- Nautica Voyage by Nautica: An affordable aquatic fragrance with musky undertones and fruity top notes of apple. It has a cold, crisp, and juicy cucumber-like aroma with floral and green undertones of oak moss, mimosa, and lotus.
- Fendi Fan Di Acqua Pour Homme: A unique, smooth aquatic fragrance with spicy top notes of bergamot, cedar, and aquatic notes, complemented by warm peppercorn and pink pepper.
- Bvlgari Aqua by Bvlgari: A strong, oceanic, and water-laden citrus fragrance with notes of two types of orange, salty seaweed, and cedar driftwood. As the fragrance wears on, it becomes darker and deeper with the addition of lavender.
- Creed Virgin Island Water: A boozy, beachy aquatic fragrance that feels like sitting on a beach with a tropical drink in hand. The coconut note adds a suntan lotion aroma.
- Light Blue Intense by Dolce & Gabbana: A refreshing and fun aquatic fragrance with top notes of chilled grapefruit and mandarin. It has a strong sillage and lasts around 9 hours on the skin.
- Tommy Bahama St Barts: A cheap and cheerful island-style aquatic cologne with a strong lime kick that dries down to a smooth and creamy finish with salty undertones.
- Bvlgari Aqva Marine by Bvlgari: A pure oceanic fragrance that is lighter than its predecessor, Bvlgari Aqva. It has a similar orange note but adds grapefruit and neroli for a fresh and light feel.
- Eternity Aqua by Calvin Klein: A close alternative to Polo Blue EDT, sharing its cucumber note and aquatic scent while adding a plum note and citrus elements. It lasts around 5-7 hours on the skin.
- Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue by Versace: A gorgeous aquatic fragrance with good longevity and fantastic pricing.
- Prada Luna Rossa Carbon by Prada: A unique aquatic scent.
- Creed Millesime Imperial by Creed: A well-known summertime island-life fragrance.
- Azzaro Chrome Extreme by Azzaro: A fresh aquatic scent.
- Acqua Essenziale by Salvatore Ferragamo: A sophisticated aquatic fragrance.
- Safari by Ralph Lauren: A classic aquatic cologne.
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Best Date Night
Planning a date night? It's important to put thought into the cologne you'll wear. A good cologne can be the difference between a second date and harsh rejection. The right scent can make a lasting impression and elevate your style and personality.
Bleu de Chanel
This surprising Chanel concoction is a powerhouse fragrance that has been popular for over a decade. With bold cedar notes and hints of intoxicating sandalwood and vanilla, it's a timeless scent that women find irresistible. It's not too overpowering and strikes a perfect balance between chic and manly. Spray a pump or two near your collar, and your date will surely lean in for a whiff (or a kiss)!
Dior Sauvage
Dior Sauvage is a seductive and captivating cologne, often topping 'best cologne' lists. With notes of bergamot, vanilla, and amber, it's a complex fragrance that gives an added dose of confidence. Women find it irresistible and are sure to follow your fragrance trail wherever you go. It's a perfect choice for date nights or evenings out on the town.
Dolce & Gabbana The One
This sweet, spicy, and aromatic cologne is a popular choice for date nights and clubbing. It's masculine and classic, with a soft, warm, and comforting scent that's youthful without being childish. It's a crowd-pleaser and is sure to make a lasting impression on your date.
Tom Ford Noir
This sophisticated, sweet, and spicy oriental cologne has a unique combination of dark notes and rose, creating a mysterious, sexy, gothic, and romantic scent. It's an elegant and classy fragrance, perfect for a formal date night. Spray it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
YSL La Nuit De L'Homme
A popular choice for date nights, this cologne by Yves Saint Laurent is a heavier, spicier fragrance perfect for chilly nights and dinner dates. With notes of bergamot, sage, violet, geranium, cedar, musk, and incense, it's a deep and alluring scent that will have ladies following your fragrance trail.
Honorable Mentions
- Prada L'homme Intense
- Armani Stronger With You
- Creed Aventus
- Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male
- Gucci Guilty Pour Homme
- Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
- Kenneth Cole Mankind Hero
- Salvatore Ferragamo F by Ferragamo Black
- John Varvatos Artisan Black
- Amouage Reflection Man
Remember, when choosing a cologne for date night, opt for something more mysterious and seductive, with notes like pepper, wood, and vanilla. Spray sparingly, especially with stronger colognes, to avoid overwhelming your date.
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