Some guys stick to the same fragrance for years, even decades, while others change it up based on their mood or the situation. Whether you’re looking for a fresh perfume to wear on your wedding day or a unique gift, choosing a fragrance might be overwhelming (and we mean that both literally and figuratively). It’s difficult to smell one scent after another from a perfume counter, and it’s even more difficult when shopping online.
We asked Celine Roux, Head of Global Fragrance at Jo Malone London, for advice on where to start looking for your distinctive perfume if you like to buy it in person. “First, consider if you want something light and airy or something woody and warm—this will naturally guide your pick,” adds Roux. “In general, I believe that having freshness in a perfume is usually beneficial.”
Roux also suggests experimenting with a variety of colognes, claiming that most people shun specific scents because of a particular ingredient, but the combination might be utterly surprising. “Try contrasting scents on each arm and let them rest on your skin,” she advises. “You’ll be pulled to one of these scents if you observe how they develop.”
Fortunately, for those who prefer to shop online, we’ve taken care of the legwork (or scent testing, as the case may be). Here’s a rundown of the top colognes for men, ranging from refined aromas to woody combinations. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be sure to add it to your reorder list.
Read on for the best colognes for men that Your Fashion Book has sorted out for you.
Bleu de Chanel
In a nutshell, Bleu de Chanel is a cologne for gentlemen. It’s crisp, polished, and elegant, but not in a grandfather-like way. It’s not too musky—rather, it has a woody cedar undercurrent with lingering citrus undertones, giving it a fresh, clean scent.
Versace Eros
We don’t know what’s cooler: The beautiful Art Deco–style bottle or the addition of mint in this fresh and tropical scent. Infused with orange, Italian lemon zest, green apple, tonka beans, amber, woody vanilla, vetiver, and moss, this fusion of scents wears well in the summer but is a pretty universal cologne overall.
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio
We can’t decide which is more appealing: the stunning Art Deco bottle or the addition of mint to this fresh and tropical aroma. This blend of smells, which includes orange, Italian lemon zest, green apple, tonka beans, amber, woody vanilla, vetiver, and moss, wears nicely in the summer but is a fairly global cologne in general.
Tom Ford Tuscan Leather
Tom Ford’s Tuscan Leather combines leather and suede with jasmine notes for a sensual and refined fragrance. The addition of saffron intensifies the warming effect.
Dior Sauvage Elixir
Sauvage is the definition of a modern classic, a spicy, fresh aroma that is sure to catch the attention of everyone you pass. This warm blend of amber and cedar, with pepper and lavender undertones, is one-of-a-kind and guaranteed to become a fan favorite for years.
Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club
This whiskey-colored perfume, appropriately named Jazz Club, captures the scent of a dim jazz club filled with cigarette smoke and leather chairs. It has flavors of pink pepper, rum, and tobacco, and is warm and spicy.
Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense
With this perfume, juxtaposition is the name of the game. Citrus notes of Amalfi lemon and orange compete with woody tones of cedar and oud to create a fresh, manly scent. Because oud can be divisive, this well-balanced blend is a wonderful choice for people who wish to try it out.
Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Toilette
This marine cologne is a fresh breath of air, as its name suggests. This sophisticated mix has handsome sailor written all over it, combining crisp bergamot with sensual vetiver and a touch of grace via iris.
Gucci the Alchemist’s Garden, The Last Day of Summer
From the lacquered glass container to the warming, inviting aroma, that one was a work of art. This scent from Gucci’s Haute perfumery collection is luxury at its finest, with notes of cedar, cypress, and nutmeg swirling inside, as well as woody undertones of patchouli and vetiver.
Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum
With a trio of fresh notes at its core, bergamot, ginger, and apple, this fragrance makes an immediate impression. The freshness is enhanced with juniper berries and geranium, while the sweetness is provided by vanilla tonka bean. Finally, sage and a large dosage of amber offer a warm, woody character to this blend.
Burberry Hero
This luxurious and sophisticated combination of aromatic juniper, cedarwood, and spicy black pepper emanates elegance and sophistication. This perfume was designed by creative director Riccardo Tisci and is a true icon in its own right.
Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne
This luxurious and sophisticated combination of aromatic juniper, cedarwood, and spicy black pepper emanates elegance and sophistication. This perfume was designed by creative director Riccardo Tisci and is a true icon in its own right.
Calvin Klein Eternity for Men
Calvin Klein Eternity is a traditional fougère fragrance containing sage and vetiver as well as other green plants. It has a fresh, earthy scent with subtle woodsy cedar tones that can be used informally or as a daily repeat.
Hermès H24
While bright and citrus aromas are typically associated with more feminine scents, Hermès’ first fragrance was created for “the contemporary guy.” It’s ideal for spring and summer, with notes of clary sage, narcissus, and rosewood. The warm rosewood, on the other hand, makes it a year-round favorite.
Hugo Boss BOSS Bottled by Eau de Toilette
This musky perfume is elegant yet appropriate for everyday wear, owing to green apple and bergamot at the top. It’s also infused with cardamom and cinnamon, which gives it a pleasant warmth that lasts throughout the day.
Celine Black Tie
Celine’s Black Tie is a perfectly matched fragrance for just an evening out (or whenever you want to feel elegant on a random Tuesday). It’s made up of orris butter, cedar, tree moss, and vanilla, and it’s the perfect mix of musky and sweet.