A cologne is more than a fragrance. It tells people about your persona and your interests. Are you a traditionalist or a more creative type? Do you feel most at home in the great outdoors or in a corner office? However you’d like to present your essence to the world, there’s a cologne that can help you do so.
Surely, you also want a best smelling cologne for men. Because there are so many choices on the market, though, identifying superlative fragrances can be a daunting challenge. For assistance, peruse this list of the swellest smells.
1. Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne
Purchase at: Nordstrom
$110
Here’s a hardy cologne that bridges old-fashioned and modern aromas. You can savor its citrus, which is complemented by jasmine, amber, musk and rosemary.
2. Burberry Brit Rhythm
Purchase at: Sephora
$64
Bursting with leather, cedar, basil, juniper berries and other earthly delights, this classic cologne is highly versatile. It’s equally appropriate for formal, corporate and laid-back occasions.
3. Comme des Garcons Wonderwood
Purchase at: Net-A-Porter
$103
Imagine agarwood, cedar, cypress and sandalwood mixed together and then imagine hints of nutmeg, pepper and patchouli thrown in. The cologne you’d get is this one. It’s infused with the grandeur of a primeval forest.
4. Creed Aventus
Purchase at: Nordstrom
$230
What makes this product a best smelling cologne for men is the way it offsets sweet components like royal pineapple and French apple with somewhat bitter items like patchouli. It boasts richness and sophistication.
5. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
Purchase at: Macy’s
$86
Musk and citrus make for a powerfully attractive concoction and this cologne mixes them just right. Enticing yet understated, it’s perfect for practically any event and time of day.
6. F by Ferragamo Pour Homme Black
Purchase at: Target
$17.99
A potent and unpretentious scent, it features apple, lavender, amber wood, black pepper and coriander. It’s singularly woody, masculine and enjoyable.
7. Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme
Purchase at: Sephora
$69
Gucci Pour Homme is one of the best smelling colognes for men because it has so many pleasurable layers. Its ingredients include cypress, amber, cedar, patchouli and bergamot and they’re arranged in such intricate harmony.
8. Gucci Made to Measure
Purchase at: Sephora
$75
This second stunner from Gucci is a fan favorite, a delectable brew with anise seed, juniper berry, French lavender and other fine fragrances. More than the sum of its parts, this cologne must be smelled to be believed.
9. Guerlain L’Instant de Guerlain Pour Homme
Purchase at: Neiman Marcus
$78
A little spicy and a little floral, with hints of wood, cocoa and citrus thrown in, this scent provides startling variety. Even so, it’s not merely a hodgepodge. Instead, it’s a brilliantly curated assortment that’s masculine and original.
10. Hugh Parsons Oxford Street
Purchase at: Amazon
$70
This cologne is smart and elegant with a slightly old-school vibe. It’s not overpowering, and it has just enough floral and vanilla touches to make it suitable for romantic occasions.
11. “12 Lacha” by Odin
Purchase at: Odin
$165
This scent is strong, so a little of it goes a long way, but it’s definitely worth savoring. Lacha saffron, black pepper, suede, nutmeg and more make for a combination that’s alluringly manly.
12. Armani Code Colonia
Purchase at: Giorgio Armani
$94
This cologne is the definitive scent for a man with an audacious and cool presence. The combination of citrus, clary sage and discreet floral notes is alluring yet casual. Easy to wear but elegant, Armani Code Colonia is one of a kind.
13. Alfred Dunhill Fresh
Purchase at: Target
$27.49
If you’ve got a sweet personality, here’s a sweet-smelling fragrance to accentuate it. Not to mention, you can get this subtle and delicious mix of mint, basil, violet and sage at a remarkably affordable price.
14. Armani Mania
Purchase at: Sephora
$79
You can wear this fragrance at any time of the year, but this blend of amber musk, cedar, saffron, mandarin and vetiver works particularly well when it’s warm outside. On top of that, just being able to tell people that you’re wearing Armani may give you a feeling of pride.
15. Blackbird Pipe Bomb
Purchase at: Blackbird
$88
After you spritz yourself with this cologne, you’ll notice that its strength grows over the course of a half hour or so. It’s a newer product, one that expertly combines salt water and amber with some seductive metallic components.
16. Bottega Veneta Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
Purchase at: Saks Fifth Avenue
$85
This cologne contains fir balsam and bergamot, and it’s relatively conservative. While it’s complex and deep, it’s not overly conspicuous, making it just right for the office or a visit to your in-laws.
17. Brooks Brothers Royall Bay Rhum
Purchase at: Brooks Brothers
$48
Given Brooks Brothers’ sterling reputation in the fashion world, this selection is surprisingly inexpensive. Its bay rum gives it a casual flavor, one that’s ideal for outdoor events and other relaxed occasions.
18. Byredo Gypsy Water
Purchase at: Net-A-Porter
$150
Put this cologne on your pulse points, and then close your eyes. You may momentarily experience the tranquility of a beautiful wooded retreat. Indeed, the vanilla, amber and pine needle aromas can give you that lovely mental escape whenever you need it.
19. Byredo Parfums Mister Marvelous
Purchase at: Mr Porter
$145
What makes this entry a best smelling cologne for men is its exotic nature, a woody merging of white cedar, black amber, mandarin leaves and neroli. It’s a mature, cosmopolitan and long-lasting aroma that comes direct from France.
20. Cartier Declaration
Purchase at: Nordstrom
$108
Declaration contains bergamot, coriander, juniper berry, silver birch, oak musk and more. Those flavors may seem quite dissimilar, but the masters at Cartier have turned them into an elegant, one-of-a-kind aroma.
21. Chanel Bleu De Chanel Eau de Parfum
Purchase at: Nordstrom
$90
Spray on a little of this best smelling cologne for men and there’s magic in the air. It has a gentle scent that still manages to burst with citrusy goodness. It makes an excellent choice for outdoor affairs.
22. Comme Des Garcons Blue Encens
Purchase at: Sephora
$131
Pleasantly distinctive, Comme Des Garcons Blue Encens brings together black pepper, cedar, cardamom and cinnamon. It’s a cutting-edge cologne that stands out among more generic scents.
23. Creed Green Irish Tweed
Purchase at: Nordstrom
$215
Creed’s Green Irish Tweed is a favorite among celebrities and anyone who seeks a vivid, vibrant fragrance. It features ambergris, French verbena, sandalwood and violet leaves in flawless proportions.
24. Dries Van Noten par Frederic Malle
Purchase at: Barneys
$310
This cologne represents a subtle and original blend of jasmine, sandalwood and vanilla. It’s enchanting to wear all day long and despite its price tag, it may quickly become one of your favorites.
25. Extreme Blue by Michael Kors
Purchase at: Macy’s
$80
Extreme Blue is rich but mild and it cleverly integrates Ambrox, bergamot, cypress and juniper. Put some on, and the joy of summer will surround you.
26. Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur
Purchase at: Nordstrom
$135
If you like the smell of bourbon, cinnamon and vanilla, you’re going to love the way Frederic Malle blends them here. It’s a sultry combo, one that’s cultured enough for the fanciest of soirees.
27. Gold Extreme by Jay Z
Purchase at: Macy’s
$57
In every product that his brand releases, Jay Z is a stickler for quality and that attitude is evident in Gold Extreme. This best smelling cologne for men is an imaginative mix of amber, bourbon, ginger and grapefruit, one that’s so fashionable you could wear it to any nightclub. Beyonce would approve.
28. Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio
Purchase at: Giorgio Armani
$118
Acqua Di Gio is a vintage product with a large and devoted following. Over the years, it really hasn’t aged at all. It’s geared toward social occasions and when you’re out with friends or that special someone, you’re sure to make a positive impression with it.
29. Histoires Des Parfums 1969
Purchase at: Lucky Scent
$105
Despite its name, this soft cologne debuted in 2001 and it aims to please. Its cardamom, coffee, peach and rose scents join forces for an unconventional effect – one that will go well with your finest suits.
30. Incense & Cedrat by Jo Malone London
Purchase at: Neiman Marcus
$180
Intended for the cool weather and crisp air of autumn, this cologne is strong and inviting. Once you’ve sniffed it, it’s difficult to forget it and its fans can’t get enough of the incense and cedar notes.
31. John Varvatos Artisan Black
Purchase at: Sephora
$66
It’s sweet, it’s musky and it’s oh-so-urbane. John Varvatos Artisan Black comes in a gorgeous lacquered bottle and the contemporary, professional vibe will give you a little extra energy throughout your workdays.
32. John Varvatos Oud
Purchase at: Bloomingdale’s
$150
Oud oil is a premium product that’s derived from agarwood. John Varvatos has combined that oil with other delectable fragrances to create this enigmatically tempting and provocative cologne.
33. L’Homme Yves Saint Laurent
Purchase at: Sephora
$72
It’s only been around since 2006, but this fragrance has already earned a passionate and diverse base of enthusiasts. If you like having one signature cologne rather than mixing it up, you might consider purchasing L’Homme. The fragrance somehow manages to fit in practically everywhere, with an appealing scent profile of bergamot, cedar, white ginger and white pepper. Floral touches offset the spices like basil and pepper and the wood aromas complete the effect.
34. Lacoste Eau de Toilette, Black
Purchase at: Kohl’s
$59
It might be strange to think of chocolate, patchouli, verbena and watermelon grouped together, but in this cologne, they enhance one another in a very impressive way. This muscular yet genial aroma premiered in 2013 and you can wear it pretty much whenever and wherever you’d like.
35. Le Labo Bergamote 22 Liquid Balm
Purchase at: Nordstrom
$90
Have you ever kept cologne in your refrigerator? Le Labo recommends that you put this item in your fridge for a week before usage and you can keep it there permanently, if you want. As long as no one in your home mistakes it for a beverage, you’ll surely love this unusual and addictive blend of cedar, grapefruit and bergamot.
36. Michael Kors for Men
Purchase at: Sephora
$50
This fragrance is potent and long-lasting, so easy does it when you’re putting it on. The suede and patchouli in it may enchant everyone you come close to, making it a daring choice for parties and gatherings.
37. Montblanc Legend
Purchase at: Nordstrom
$68
Since 2011, it’s been a wonder of the cologne world. What makes Montblanc Legend so stunning is the intricate amalgam of bergamot, roses, geranium, lavender, verbena, pineapple leaf, oak moss, apples, sandalwood and tonka, among others. Open this bottle and you will feel like you’re unleashing the full power of Mother Nature herself.
38. Pour Monsieur by Chanel
Purchase at: Chanel
$90
Sometimes the old school really is the best school and since it first came out in 1955, Pour Monsieur has ranked among the planet’s top colognes. In fact, if there really is a sweet smell of success, it might be this one, with its touches of citrus mingling with spices like basil, coriander and ginger.
39. Prada Luna Rossa
Purchase at: Amazon
$65-$70
So many colognes today contain pine and cedar that it can become hard to tell them apart. The gentle Prada Luna Rossa offers a refreshing departure from this common scent profile. The combination of clary sage, lavender and spearmint is as pleasant and invigorating as an oceanside stroll.
40. Richard James Savile Row
Purchase at: Mr Porter
$115
With a complex profile that includes notes of basil, mandarin orange, tuberose, sandalwood and suede, this sophisticated cologne is strong yet adaptable, appropriate for any time of year.
41. Royal Copenhagen for Men
Purchase at: Amazon
$21-$24
Royal Copenhagen ranks among the best smelling colognes for men for the way it recreates favorite scents from decades past. Those aromas–which include amber, lemon, moss and orange–fit in well in the modern world, especially on romantic evenings.
42. Royal Mayfair by Creed
Purchase at: Creed
$525
Wearing Creed’s Royal Mayfair is like taking a world tour. Travel the globe in fragrance as you take in the aroma of Canadian cedar, Bahamian orange, British gin, Jamaican lime and Australian eucalyptus all in one light, cultivated package.
43. Sauvage by Dior
Purchase at: Dior
$92
This mix of bergamot, frankincense, lavender and pepper is a terrific choice if you’re looking for a cologne that’s cultured yet down-to-earth. Sauvage is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to reapply–a small amount will last you for hours.
44. Sunshine Man by Amouage
Purchase at: Osswald NYC
$395
Sunshine Man isn’t a Marvel superhero but a somewhat lesser-known entry among the best smelling colognes for men. It may be on the pricey side, but this autumnal scent is all but irresistible. Pat it on and savor the aroma of cedar, juniper, orange brandy, lavender, vanilla and tonka bean.
45. Terre d’Hermes
Purchase at: Sephora
$119
Terre d’Hermes is woody and mineral-rich with notes of grapefruit that make it slightly sweet and highly energizing. Terre d’Hermes is well-proportioned and suitable for practically any type of event.
46. Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
Purchase at: Mr Porter
$100
Grey Vetiver will give you a dynamic aroma that changes as the day goes by. At any stage, this cologne is a treat. Its masculine mix of spices, wood base and citrus highlights make it stand out even in a room full of guys wearing cologne.
47. Tom Ford Noir
Purchase at: Nordstrom
$100
Tom Ford Noir has an exotic profile, bursting with scents that are popular in Eastern cultures. Notes such as Italian bergamot and Bulgarian rose make this fragrance truly luxurious. Whenever you want a cologne with flair–something that suggests passion–reach for a bottle of Tom Ford Noir.
48. Truefitt & Hill West Indian Limes
Purchase at: Truefitt & Hill
$75
This warm-weather cologne will give you yet another reason to look forward to spring. The blossoming flowers and trees will be no match for your scent when you wear this blend of bergamot, citronella, cloves, lemon, lime, neroli and orange flower.
49. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
Purchase at: Sephora
$225
Cologne connoisseurs appreciate how Tom Ford fuses classic scents like amber, lemon and mandarin in this fragrance. The masterful Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille is as light as a breeze, offering real polish and finesse. No matter where you’re going, particularly after dark, you will feel confident putting it on.
50. Ulrich Lang New York Anvers
Purchase at: Barneys New York
$120
This best smelling cologne for men boasts basil, mint, leather, sesame and a number of wood and citrus ingredients. Ulrich Lang New York isn’t as well-known as some of the other brands on this list, but with products like Anvers, it’s sure to be making a name for itself. Wear this fragrance to work or on a date night and you’re sure to impress the people you encounter.
51. Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb
Purchase at: Sephora
$92
Spicebomb offers an olfactory delight every time you open its bottle. If you need a pick-me-up, you’ll relish that blast of bergamot, chili, grapefruit, lavandin and vetiver.
52. Z Zegna by Ermenegildo Zegna
Purchase at: Amazon
$37-$45
Z Zegna is at once spicy, fruity, woody and musky, almost as though it contains many colognes in one. Especially fetching are its rosemary, iris and white pepper notes. This versatile aroma is perfect for any occasion.
53. Zegna Intenso Eau de Toilette Spray
Purchase at: Walmart
$25-$30
“Intenso” is the Spanish word for “intense.” Containing several musks and an intoxicating amalgam of lemon, mandarin, orange, pink pepper, sandalwood and vanilla, this cologne from Zegna is definitely intense.
If you start wearing one or more of the above colognes, you will notice your friends and family members leaning in closer and closer. Finding the cologne that suits you perfectly is a great confidence builder, so give some of these fragrances a try!
