30 Sexiest Best Men’s Colognes & Fragrances (According to Women)

After 75 hours of research evaluating 97 products, we picked Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme as our top choice.

Guys, your natural musk is lovely, don’t get us wrong. However, there’s a time and a place for going au natural with your “smellscape”.

When you’re really trying to get in the good books of a certain woman (or many?), one of the best tools at your disposal is an irresistible cologne. We women are serious when it comes to fragrance, on ourselves, and (possibly even more so), on our men.

We have spent hours and hours putting our noses to work to find the best men’s cologne. We’ve chosen scents (from sweet to smoky and everything in between) that are especially alluring to women. Get ready, guys.

Our top pick for the best men’s cologne is La Nuit De L’Homme by Yves Saint Laurent, a sweet-spicy scent you can wear year-round.

#1 Sexiest Smelling Cologne

Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme

Soft and sweet scent
Not overwhelmingly powerful and yet it’s far-reaching
Women find it intoxicating
100% authentic & lower priced than department stores
One of the best YSL colognes for men

Pros

We think this cologne works year-round, anytime you’re looking to impress. This highly intoxicating scent strikes the perfect balance between soft and sweet while still giving off a distinctly masculine fragrance.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.8/10

This is a versatile scent that comes in layers. Cardamom (spicy) to start. Bergamot (sweet) comes next. And lavender (soft, relaxing) rounds it out.

Occasion

9.8/10

Wear this whenever, wherever.

Value

9.7/10

idering how well-received this cologne is (it’s a Nordstrom top seller), this price is an absolute steal.

Overall Editor Score

9.8/10

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#2 Most Delicious Smelling

Versace Eros Eau de Toilette Spray for Men

Vibrant and sexy scent
Great for all occasions
Clean and perfectly balanced

Pros

As with all Versace fragrances, this one almost spells out virility. A perfect scent for any occasion, but definitely one of the manliest on our list.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.7/10

Eros by Versace men’s fragrance gives you a vibrant freshness with its top notes of mint leaves, green apple, and lemon zest. Rounded out by mid to low notes of tonka beans, amber, geranium, vanilla, cedarwood, vetiver, and oakmoss.

Occasion

9.6/10

A perfect scent for any occasion, but definitely one of the manliest on our list.

Value

9.7/10

This price is for the 1.7 fluid ounce bottle, which, while not cheap, is a steal for a cologne with such great staying power. That being said, at this price, we would recommend buying more than one, because, trust us, you will not want to run out.

Overall Editor Score

9.7/10

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#3 Best High-End Citrusy Cologne for Summer

Versace Man Eau Fraiche

Crisp citrusy opening evocative of bright Summer days
Spicy, warm saffron, musk, amber, and pepper hum at the heart and base
Suits all ages, and pleases almost all noses (especially women)

Pros

An uplifting yet very sophisticated and high-end scent that could be used by both men and women.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.8/10

A citrusy, fresh, clean scent with an aquatic attitude. The top notes are bergamot and lemon, with peppery herbs, musk, and woods in the heart and base. You’ll love this if you like citrusy, zesty scents that dry down to clean woods with aromatic herbal notes. Like D & G Light Blue, it’s not a smoky nightclub “bad boy” scent, it’s a beachy, positive scent.

Occasion

9.7/10

The quintessential Summer fragrance for day and night.

Value

9.7/10

You can find a huge bottle for under $120. For the quality, this is fair!

Overall Editor Score

9.7/10

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#4 Most Sensual Cologne

Sauvage by Dior Eau de Parfum Spray

Light, fresh, and clean
Excellent staying power
Expect lots of compliments when wearing this cologne

Pros

Suave, mysterious, and sensual, Sauvage by Dior provides a fresh take on the signature Dior scent.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.8/10

Expect signature Dior scents of Bergamot, Sichuan Pepper, Lavender, and Ambroxan, but enriched with spices and warm, oriental tones of Star Anise, Nutmeg, and Papua Vanilla.

Occasion

9.6/10

Inspired by nighttime coolness and the magical hour of twilight, this is definitely more of an evening scent.

Value

9.7/10

A little pricey but some say it’s worth it.

Overall Editor Score

9.7/10

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#5 Most Attention-Grabbing Cologne

1 Million Lucky by Paco Rabanne Eau de Toilette Spray 100ml

Fresh, vivid, and sensual
Woody scent with a touch of sweet
Stunning longevity

Pros

Introduced in Spring 2018, One Million Lucky is a pulsating and captivating scent of woody gourmand tones, perfect for the man who lives without limits and seizes his dreams.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.6/10

Hazelnut enriches the woody elements, along with fresh ozone, honey, and Greengage plum for a touch of sweetness.

Occasion

9.7/10

Really can be worn for any occasion, but particularly appropriate for a night out. In fact, many reviewers say that this is the perfect cologne to wear out clubbing.

Value

9.5/10

Typically this cologne runs somewhere around $80 for 100-mL bottle. However, you can often find it on Amazon for closer to $70. If you can snag it at that price, we highly recommend it. You will not regret giving this cologne a try.

Overall Editor Score

9.6/10

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#6 Best Citrus Summer Cologne

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue for Men

A refreshing, uplifting, citrusy scent for Spring/Summer
Masculine, spicy, peppery, and woody heart and base notes
A real “what are you wearing?’ mass-appealing cologne

Pros

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue for Men is a fresh, crisp, and citrusy scent ideal for hot months. The woody, spicy dry down is classy and clean with a hint of sexiness. A perfect scent for confident, upbeat guys who like crisp fragrances.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.6/10

The top notes are very heavily citric, with lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin bursting with tartness and a touch of sweetness. The dry-down brings pepper, rosemary, and rosewood, while the base is musk, incense, and oakmoss. A fresh scent for guys who love to smell amazing but don’t want that boozy, smoky, overly masculine scent.

Occasion

9.6/10

Absolutely a Summer/Spring scent for daily wear. Light enough for the office, but perhaps not rich enough for evenings out.

Value

9.6/10

You can find this for as low as $11 if you catch it on sale.

Overall Editor Score

9.6/10

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#7 Most Classic Cologne

Bleu De Chanel Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Men 1.7oz

Fresh, clean, profoundly sensual signature scent
Women truly flip over this fragrance
Classy and elegant.

Pros

This traditional fragrance has a hint of something special. Women may not know what it is, but they do know that they want to be closer to it. If you’re looking for something to showcase your good taste, but don’t want anything too overpowering, this is the cologne for you.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.5/10

Bleu by Chanel is a provocative blend of citrus and woods. It unites the invigorating zest of grapefruit and the power of an aromatic accord with the woody whisper of dry cedar. New Caledonian sandalwood lends it a warm and sensual trail. A meeting of strength and elegance.

Occasion

9.5/10

Definitely more of a nighttime scent, but could also pass for daytime too (though maybe not great for business casual or office wear). Also perfect for special occasions.

Value

9.5/10

The Amazon price is for the 1.7-ounce bottle (pretty expensive), but you can also find this in a 3.4 or 5-ounce size that would definitely help save you some money.

Overall Editor Score

9.5/10

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#8 Best Cologne for Young Men

Paco Rabanne Invictus for Men

A scent women love
A great scent for young, confident, playful guys
A bold blend of citrusy, fresh, sweet, and woody

Pros

Invictus is a sweet, fresh, citrusy scent that has a youthful appeal as opposed to dark, “serious” colognes for mature gents.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.5/10

Invictus opens with fresh grapefruit, orange, and sea notes. The opening is clean, fresh, and citrusy with a playful sweetness. The base brings fresh, green, and floral jasmine and bay leaf, while the base hums with ambergris, earthy oakmoss, patchouli, and woods. It is masculine yet youthful, sweet yet not sickly, and overall inviting.

Occasion

9.5/10

Great for young, confident guys during Spring/Summer on the beach or even out at night. It is fresh and clean enough for wearing to work, with a light hand. It would work best during warmer months.

Value

9.5/10

You can find it for around $23 per ounce, which is pretty fair.

Overall Editor Score

9.5/10

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#9 Best Modern Scent Cologne

Jimmy Choo Man Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 Fl Oz

Elegant and sophisticated
Light and not overpowering
Great for day or night

Pros

Jimmy Choo Man is a powerfully fresh and modern scent, created for a confident and refined man with a rebellious spirit. On top of that, the bottle is designed to look like an old flask, which we think is pretty cool too!

Product Ratings

Scent

9.4/10

This cologne opens with aromatic and woody notes of lavender and mandarin softened by the fruity notes of honeydew melon, features mid-notes of pink pepper and geranium mixed with pineapple leaf, and finishes with a hint of patchouli, suede, and amber.

Occasion

9.4/10

Man by Jimmy Choo is very versatile; suitable for either daytime wear or a night out and can be worn any time of year.

Value

9.4/10

$90 for a 3.3-ounce bottle is pretty reasonable for such a high quality perfume for men.

Overall Editor Score

9.4/10

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#10 Best Sweet Fruity Cologne

Ralph Lauren Polo Red

A sweet, fruity opening with gourmand citrus and cranberry
A rich coffee and warm amber base
Masculine yet sensual and potentially unisex

Pros

The ideal winter scent with a sexy allure sure to gather plenty of compliments (and phone numbers).

Product Ratings

Scent

9.4/10

Red is a sweet, spicy, and warm fragrance with the sharpness of citrus. The top notes are juicy lemon, cranberry, and grapefruit, with warm saffron and herbs at the heart. The base is warm and toasty with coffee, amber, and woods. The perfect scent for men who love sweet, sensual fragrances and like to avoid the very sharp “aftershave” colognes.

Occasion

9.4/10

A Winter/Fall scent ideal for all-day wear.

Value

9.3/10

Polo Red is mid-high-range at around $30-$40 per ounce.

Overall Editor Score

9.4/10

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#11 Best Mature Cologne

Acqua di Giò Absolu Eau de Parfum Spray 4.2 fl oz Men

Woody and aromatic
Wonderful manly fragrance
Great price

Pros

Men love how manly this cologne makes them smell, and women can’t seem to get enough of it either. If you’re looking for a woodsy, almost tobacco-y, appropriate for any occasion, you should definitely ider giving this cologne a try.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.3/10

Top notes of bergamot, sea notes, grapefruit, lemon, pear, and apple; tied together with geranium, lavender, and rosemary; and with a finish of patchouli, labdanum, Tonka bean, and amber wood.

Occasion

9.4/10

Perfect for any occasion, day or night, and can be worn any time of year.

Value

9.2/10

At just over $100 this is not the cheapest cologne on our list, but given the 4.2-ounce bottle, this cologne will turn out to be a great value.

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

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#12 Freshest-Smelling Cologne

Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.3oz

Strikes the perfect balance between freshness and strength
Excellent staying power
Masculine fragrance that’s not too overpowering

Pros

Launched by the design house of Yves Saint Laurent in the year 2017, this cologne was created with the new generation in mind and captures the spirit of youth, with the goal of offering millennials something new and different.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.3/10

Expect top notes of white aldehydes, bergamot, lemon, pineapple, and ginger. Sage, geranium, and violet at the heart. And base notes of ambergris, incense, fir balsam, and cedar musk.

Occasion

9.3/10

Best for evening wear or special occasions.

Value

9.2/10

$75 for a 3.3-ounce bottle is actually very reasonable compared to a number of the other Faves on our list. Plus, a little goes a long way.

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

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#13 Most Affordable (But Still Sexy) Cologne

Guess Seductive Homme Blue

Airy and sensual
Mild and subtle
Scent more sophisticated than non-Blue version
100% authentic & lower priced than department stores

Pros

A really nice, subtle scent that can be worn in almost any situation and projects just the right amount of sophistication.

Product Ratings

Scent

9/10

Intended for charming, charismatic, and magnetic men, Seductive Homme Blue by Guess ists of aromatic, woody, and Fougere scents. It’s a fairly new release from the brand, but it’s already driving the women crazy. This price applies to the 3.4 fluid ounce bottle. Smells like cardamom milk, mandarin pulp, pink pepper, vanilla orchid, violet leaves, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, amber, and musk.

Occasion

9.5/10

This is perfect for summer, fall, and spring.

Value

9.5/10

Excellent scent at an excellent price!!

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

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#14 Best Smoky Cologne

Armaf Club de Nuit

A mass-appealing scent with a strong citrus opening
Dries down to a spicy, smoky, woody scent
Super affordable

Pros

If you like Creed Aventus, you will love Amaf Club de Nuit. It has a sharp, citrusy, fruity opening that dries down to a smoky, woody, spicy fragrance.

Product Ratings

Scent

9/10

Armaf Club de Nuit has a strong citrus opening, with fruitier notes of apple, blackcurrant, bergamot, and pineapple. The sharp citrus dries down to a heart of birch, jasmine, and rose. The base notes are rich, woody, and sweet with vanilla, ambergris, patchouli, and musk.

Occasion

9/10

An all-year scent that can be worn all day and night. If you have an older batch, the strength may overpower an office for daily wear.

Value

10/10

You can find Armaf Club de Nuit for as low as $10 per ounce, which is incredibly affordable.

Overall Editor Score

9.3/10

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#15 Best High-End Sweet Vanilla Cologne

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau de Toilette

Fresh, sweet, and warm all in one
Aromatic and fresh without a sharp edge
A touch of spice, perfect for cooler months

Pros

A long-lasting and strong scent with alluringly sweet vanilla notes, while maintaining that masculine appeal.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.3/10

A 1995 classic, Le Male features lavender, mint, and vanilla as the defining notes. It is fresh, but not super sharp, as bergamot, vanilla, tonka bean, and amber round off the fresh spiciness. It lasts a long time and is known for being sexy.

Occasion

9.3/10

The warmth makes it a great Winter/Fall scent for day and night. A gentle spritz would be fine for the office, but note that it is strong.

Value

8.8/10

Not eye-watering, yet not a bargain. Le Male is a mid-to-high range.

Overall Editor Score

9.1/10

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#16 Best Budget Cologne with Green Spicy Notes

Kenneth Cole Black

A clean scent balanced with spicy, warm notes
Fresh, spicy notes of ginger, herbs, and nutmeg
Musk and amber bring subtle warmth to the dry-down

Pros

A crowd-pleasing, masculine scent with a moderate sillage perfect for office wear.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.2/10

A surprisingly fresh scent for the black packaging (and name), with mint and orange bringing invigorating green top notes. Spicy ginger, clean woods, and florals create a masculine heart and base. This is for guys who like a masculine scent that remains clean, fresh, and slightly sexy without packing smoky, leathery, or boozy punches. It could be a great first-job scent for guys in their 20s.

Occasion

9.1/10

An extremely versatile scent that works all day, all year, all occasion.

Value

9.1/10

A very budget-friendly fragrance at as low as $9 per ounce (approximately).

Overall Editor Score

9.1/10

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#17 Most Masculine Cologne

Jimmy Choo Man Intense

Very mellow scent
Masculine and sexy
Versatile scent with surprising hints of melon and pepper that pop up

Pros

Despite this cologne being dubbed “intense”, customers actually prefer this one to other intense fragrances because of its mellow nature. Customers also rave about how masculine and sexy it is, some even going so far as to call it a “lady killer”.

Product Ratings

Scent

9/10

This interesting mix of lavender and honeydew up top, davana oil and spicy black pepper in the middle, and tonka beans as the base has customers raving about how masculine and sexy this aroma is.

Occasion

9.2/10

This is a pretty versatile scent, so you should be able to wear this wherever and whenever you want. While there is a summer-y melon note upfront, the black pepper and tonka beans that round it out also make this a great scent for cooler temperatures.

Value

9.2/10

With this being a newer fragrance, you’ll have to expect a price like this. However, if you like Invictus or Chanel Bleu and you can find them for cheaper, you may want to go that route as customers claim they all have the same exact scent profile.

Overall Editor Score

9.1/10

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#18 Best Fruity Cologne for Daily Wear

MontBlanc Legend

A sweet, fruity, floral scent that everyone will love
An easy everyday fragrance
Fresh, clean, understated, yet not boring

Pros

MontBlanc Legend is a mass-appealing scent for understated yet classy guys. It is sweet, floral, and fruity. Ideal if you’re not into very ozonic, green, or “nightclub sex-bomb” fragrances.

Product Ratings

Scent

8.8/10

MontBlanc opens with a delicious, fruity-citrus combo of pineapple, bergamot, fresh lavender, and lemon verbena. The heart features rose, apple, geranium, and dried fruits, with oakmoss for a fresh and earthy balance. The base is vanilla-y, woody, and slightly spicy with tonka bean and sandalwood.

Occasion

9.5/10

An all-year, all-day scent.

Value

9/10

At around $25 per ounce, Legend is reasonably priced.

Overall Editor Score

9.1/10

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#19 Best Crisp Affordable Men’s Cologne

Davidoff Cool Water Eau de Toilette

A masculine scent, (think appealing aftershave)
Crisp, sharp, and fresh
A reminiscent classic (released in 1988)

Pros

A mass-appealing scent that awakens the senses with green crispness and by-the-pool aquatics.

Product Ratings

Scent

8.5/10

Cool Water is definitively crisp and clean, verging on aftershave territory. Mint, lavender, and green notes burst sharply at the top. The heart notes warm slightly with sandalwood and jasmine, with musk, cedar, and amber bringing warm woods to the base. A fragrance for guys who want to smell clean, masculine, and fresh. Not for men who like earthy, smoky, or mysterious fragrances. A great starter scent for younger guys.

Occasion

9/10

Definitely a Spring/Summer scent ideal for daily wear at the office or school. Maybe to clean for the night if you like a little musk or sweetness when the sun goes down.

Value

9.8/10

Incredibly affordable, a steal.

Overall Editor Score

9.1/10

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#20 Best Men’s Cologne with Unisex Potential

Burberry Touch Eau de Toilette for Men

Fresh and not overpowering, great for daily use
Alluring balance of sweet florals, pepper, and citrus at first
Musky, warm woods hum at the base

Pros

Women are attracted to this smooth, understated fragrance that is masculine without being overbearing.

Product Ratings

Scent

9/10

The top notes are floral, sweet, and slightly feminine with violet and mandarin. The heart notes bring spicy, warm woods with cedar, pepper, and nutmeg. The base is warm and masculine with tonka bean, musk, and vetiver. A scent that could easily be worn by men and women, or men who don’t like those overtly masculine, tobacco-heavy scents. A slightly powdery scent that women find sexy.

Occasion

8.5/10

An everyday scent that could work all year round.

Value

9.5/10

Burberry Touch for men is super affordable for the quality.

Overall Editor Score

9/10

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#21 Best Classic Green Aromatic Cologne

Hugo Boss Hugo Man

Sharp, herbal top notes with tangy green apple and herbs
Fresh, floral lavender and geranium come through at the heart
The base brings spicy fir, cedar, and patchouli

Pros

A sophisticated and long-lasting scent for guys who know what they want, especially for Spring and Summer.

Product Ratings

Scent

9.3/10

Hugo is a fresh, clean, slightly sharp scent that is very masculine and classic. The top opens with crisp green apple, lavender, citrus, and green herbs. The heart brings aromatic florals and herbs (geranium and sage), and the base brings woody cedar and patchouli. A scent for mature guys (not a nightclub party-boy scent!).

Occasion

9/10

A Spring/Summer scent perfect for day wear.

Value

8.5/10

At under $70 for a decent-sized bottle, Hugo is a steal.

Overall Editor Score

8.9/10

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#22 Best Affordable Cologne for Young Guys

Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger for Men

A bright, citrusy opening with fresh mint and lavender aromatics
Juicy green apple and cranberry linger at the heart
The base brings unique cotton and cactus

Pros

Perfect scent for young, playful guys who want a Spring/Summer scent everyone will love.

Product Ratings

Scent

9/10

A 1995 classic cologne that is fresh, green, and spicy. The top notes are citrusy and slightly juicy with green apple, bergamot, and grapefruit. The heart and base notes feature cactus, cotton, and a hint of juicy cranberry. An overall fresh, citrusy scent perfect for preppy, young guys or youthful older guys. It’s alluring but not mysterious or overtly masculine.

Occasion

8.9/10

A fresh Summer/Spring scent for day wear.

Value

8.9/10

A budget-friendly cologne that gives you lots of bang for your buck.

Overall Editor Score

8.9/10

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#23 Best Luxury Cologne

Creed Aventus Fragrance

Rich, fruity fragrance
Unique scent helps you get noticed
Don’t need to use a lot for a big impact
100% authentic & lower priced than department stores

Pros

A highly unique, bold and memorable scent that lasts a long time. This luxury cologne is worth every penny if you want attention and to stand out.

Product Ratings

Scent

9/10

If you’re looking to stand out, you’ve got to try this cologne. The scent is a mix of pineapple, black currant, and ambergris (the digestive gunk from inside sperm whales that smells amazing).

Occasion

8.8/10

Wear it whenever you want to get noticed: at the office, on a date, or in a crowd.

Value

8.6/10

While this is one of the most expensive cologne on our list, it’s not as pricey as it may seem since you don’t need to use much of this for it to smell good or to last.

Overall Editor Score

8.8/10

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#24 Best Chameleonic Cologne

Azzaro Wanted for Men Eau de Toilette Spray

Smells like more popular and expensive colognes that everyone loves
Well-balanced sweet and citrus scent
Mature, natural fragrance
100% authentic & lower priced than department stores

Pros

If you’ve run into other men’s sweet and spicy fragrances that you liked, but weren’t totally sold on, Azzaro Wanted is a great one to try. Referred to as the “chameleon” of men’s scents as its well-balanced fragrance is regularly compared to colognes like Invictus but without the harshness or overpowering scent that many of them leave behind.

Product Ratings

Scent

8.8/10

The balance of sweet and spicy in this fragrance is what customers love most about it. You start off with a good citrusy/minty blend, work your way into a deliciously sweet apple middle, and finish off with a rich woody base.

Occasion

8.9/10

Because this scent gives off a natural and non-overpowering aroma, you can wear this pretty much anywhere, at anytime. It also lasts all day long, so you won’t have to worry about reapplying it after a long day at the office or while out on the town with your lady friend.

Value

8.7/10

Pricing is about on par with comparable scents.

Overall Editor Score

8.8/10

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#25 Best Cologne for Warm Weather

Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men Eau De Toilette Spray

Fresh, aquatic scent
Perfect for when it gets warm out
Great value
100% authentic & lower priced than department stores

Pros

This simple fragrance is perfect for the beach bum who wants a light, almost aquatic, scent to accompany them through a long day in the surf. This also happens to be a great value cologne from Nautica, a brand known for producing high-quality materials.

Product Ratings

Scent

8.7/10

Airy, light, and fresh are the words most commonly associated with this fragrance—all qualities which combine to give off that aquatic feel.

Occasion

8.9/10

This is definitely something you wear over the summer, while on vacation, or on a boat.

Value

8.8/10

Talk about a steal.

Overall Editor Score

8.8/10

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#26 Best Casual Cologne

Gucci Guilty Eau Pour Homme

Clean, crisp, and fresh scent
Lasts all day long
Perfect for casual wear
100% authentic & lower priced than department stores

Pros

As the summer months approach, you’re going to be looking for a scent that’s light, fresh, and clean smelling. Look no further as Gucci Guilty Eau’s latest gives men a long-lasting cologne that’s perfect for those casual, warm-weather activities we all enjoy.

Product Ratings

Scent

8.7/10

The freshness of the lemon, bergamot, and orange blossom are what give this cologne its fresh and crisp aroma – and it’s what users love the most about it. It’s rounded out with hints of orris and patchouli for a musky, wood finish.

Occasion

8.6/10

The ensus on this scent is that it’s best for the spring and summer months, and is definitely best paired with casual wear. It should also be noted that many customers have labeled this cologne as “unisex” as this light and non-offensive cologne is loved and worn by both men and women.

Value

8.5/10

Pricing for this is on par with other Gucci scents.

Overall Editor Score

8.6/10

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#27 Best Men’s Cologne with Fruit Notes

Liz Claiborne Curve for Men

An unobtrusive yet mass-appealing scent
Tropical pineapple gives a fruity, playful note
Woody notes

Pros

An affordable fragrance great for cologne newbies who want an all-year, mass-appealing scent.

Product Ratings

Scent

8.5/10

Curve for Men is a simple (yet wonderful) scent in that it doesn’t contain complex layers or overly sophisticated notes. The top is fruity-yet-fresh with pineapple, citrus, and green notes, with floral lavender and neroli. The heart and base bring fresh woods, pepper, and a hint of warm amber. Clean but not overly sharp, sweet but not sickly. A great scent for younger guys (who wouldn’t mind some female attention).

Occasion

8.5/10

A daily scent that works all year, especially Spring/Summer.

Value

8.5/10

A very wallet-friendly cologne, even for low budgets.

Overall Editor Score

8.5/10

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#28 Best Artisanal Cologne

TOM FORD Oud Wood

Long-lasting formula stays on all day
Warm, woody scent that’s slightly feminine

Pros

While this is another cologne a bit on the smoky side, the rosewood and amber add a unique and unexpected twist. Oud Wood will draw you in with its woody, exotic blend of spices and cardamom, but it’s the rich and sensual notes of sandalwood and vetiver that will keep you coming back for more.

Product Ratings

Scent

8.5/10

Rare, exotic, and distinctive, this artisanal scent pairs the iconic Tom Ford oud with a classic woodsy scent. Exotic rosewood and cardamom give way to a smoky blend of rare oud wood, sandalwood, and vetiver, while the fragrance is rounded out by tonka bean and amber for added warmth and sensuality.

Occasion

8.8/10

This cologne is super versatile and will translate well from morning to evening pretty much all year long.

Value

8.2/10

At $150 for a 1-ounce bottle, it’s certainly not your average affordable cologne. However, it’s also available in a .3-ounce travel size for $60 (which will honestly last you longer than you’d expect) if you want to give it a try before dishing out the big bucks on full sizes. We will tell you though, even the most frugal of reviewers admit they cannot resist this cologne—even at the high price point—so we are confident you will find this cologne to be worth every penny.

Overall Editor Score

8.5/10

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#29 Best Low-Budget Aromatic Cologne

Jaguar Classic Black

A fresh, aromatic scent for lovers of green woods
Hints of citrus and green apple bring Spring-like crispness
Affordable, versatile, and crowd-pleasing for all ages

Pros

An incredibly affordable and long-lasting cologne that works for all seasons and occasions.

Product Ratings

Scent

8.3/10

Classic Black opens strong and citrusy with mandarin, green apple, and bitter orange. However, it’s not overly fruity or sweet, more on the fresh-green side. This dries down quickly to reveal spicy, fresh nutmeg and cardamom, with warm-woody sandalwood, musk, and cedar at the base. You’ll love this if you like fresh masculinity with a hint of fruit and spice.

Occasion

8.5/10

You can wear this all year, especially in spring or summer thanks to the bright top notes.

Value

8.3/10

One of the cheapest men’s colognes on the market.

Overall Editor Score

8.4/10

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#30 Best Pheromone Cologne

RawChemistry Pheromone Cologne for Him

Uses plant-based pheromones to make the wearer more attractive and approachable
Alcohol-free and contains all-natural ingredients
Very affordable

Pros

A tactical cologne that uses plant pheromones to attract attention (you know the kind).

Product Ratings

Scent

8.3/10

This isn’t the kind of cologne you’d wear to simply smell amazing, as the scent itself is a generic, soapy fragrance. It’s all about the pheromones and their ability to attract others to you.

Occasion

8/10

Wear it any place, any time. You won’t be giving off a complex waft of notes, but you may just give off undetectable pheromones.

Value

8/10

At $31 per ounce, this is expensive for a simple, potentially faddish cologne.

Overall Editor Score

8.1/10

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Men’s Cologne Tips & Advice

Buying colognes is an art and a science! It’s about figuring out what combinations of smells work best with your specific body odors and style, as well as which fragrances suit your needs best.

Types of Fragrances:

Splash/Aftershave hovers around 1-3% fragrance concentration.
Eau de Cologne hovers around 5% fragrance concentration.
Eau de Toilette hovers around 10% fragrance concentration.
Eau de Parfum hovers around 15% fragrance concentration.

The higher the fragrance concentration, the stronger and longer-lasting the smell.

Understanding the “Notes”:

Base Notes are the subtle, underlying scents that only kick in after 30 minutes or so. They form the foundation of the fragrance.
Middle Notes are noticeable within a few minutes and are the “heart” of the fragrance. As the sharper, more prominent Top Notes dissipate, the Middle Notes emerge. They are longest-lasting and blend with the Base Notes.
Top Notes are the immediately perceived scents – the sharper, brighter, more robust notes that are the initial perception.

Don’t buy a fragrance based on the top notes. Instead, spray the cologne and give it a few minutes for the middle notes to come out. You need to provide the cologne time to “settle in” so you can smell the actual fragrance, not just the initial scents.

What Cologne is Best ‘for You? It’s Not Just ONE!

You may have your “signature” scent (the cologne that you’ve found best embodies the person you want to smell like), but you should ider using a selection of scents—one for each season.

Winter scents tend to be spicier and fuller-bodied with woodsy notes, as the deeper fragrances thrive in cold weather.

Summer scents tend to be lighter, brighter, and heavier on the citrus notes, as these fragrances give a “fresh” appeal in the hot weather.

Did you know you should wear multiple scents throughout the week as well?

Work scents tend to be stronger, more authoritative, and with heavier woodsy notes.
Athletic scents tend to be musky and spicy, but with an invigorating acidity in the top notes.
Manly scents have wood and earth base notes, but with spice and floral top notes for better complexity.
Social scents are brighter and more attention-getting, but with a complexity of citrus and floral notes that arouses interest.
Urbanite scents can be more versatile, with lighter wood base notes and brighter (green, citrus, herb) scents for the top and middle notes.

The type of scent you wear to the office, gym, bar, or club can change others’ perceptions of you.

Cologne Buying Tips

Go small with the brands at times. Don’t automatically go for the big-name, celebrity-endorsed brands. You’d be surprised by how much better the small-brand colognes can be.
Remember KISS is your motto: Keep It Simple, Stupid! You don’t need a complicated, complex fragrance with dozens of layers. Stick with recognizable scents (fig, lavender, or citrus) with simple woodsy or earthy base notes. Find a cologne with a short ingredients list for a simple, versatile fragrance.
Experiment, experiment, experiment. Don’t expect to wear one scent for the rest of your life. Try new scents to find a variety that works for you, and ider changing up your signature scent once every few years. Your style of clothing, food preferences, lifestyle, and hobbies may change—your fragrance should change with them.
Buy ONLY legit products. Knock-offs and imitations have a shorter scent lifespan than proper colognes. There are also slight differences in the scent profile, so a cheaper imitation will never be as good as the real deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular men’s cologne?

The most popular men’s cologne is Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’Homme Eau de Toilette Spray.

What are the top 10 men’s colognes?

The top 10 men’s colognes are Versace Eros, One Million Lucky, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, Bleu by Chanel, Invictus by Paco Rabanne, Jimmy Choo Man, Acqua di Giò Absolu, Y by YSL, YSL La Nuit De L’Homme Edt.

What is the best smelling man’s cologne?

Best smelling colognes for guys include Tom Ford Oud Wood, Creed Aventus, MontBlanc Legend and Gucci Guilty.