The 23 Best Colognes for Men, According to Bazaar Editors
These timeless scents smell great on just about everyone
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A lot of power can be found in a simple spritz of cologne: It can tell a lot about a person, or even awaken a long-lost memory. And like the best perfumes of all time, the best colognes are nearly universally beloved for how fantastic they smell. What’s more, these scents are no longer reserved for the men in our lives, but anyone who wants to smell delicious.
“What we see more and more is a non-gendered perfumery. Today, a lot of fragrances are created without any notion of gender,” says Delphine Jelk, perfumer at Guerlain. “For example, Tobacco Honey, which was released recently, was immediately adopted by both men and women alike.”
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Women have worn men’s cologne forever (and vice versa), but Jelk reassures that it matters not who the wearer is, but how they feel in their scent. “I think that you can assert your personality with the perfume you have chosen for yourself. So, if a men’s fragrance is better for you as a woman, you should just go for it,” says Jelk.
Ahead, we round up the 23 best colognes for men—and anyone else who wants to smell fantastic.
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"Vetiver de Guerlain is a stunning fragrance with a unique signature," says Jelk. "It is so recognizable, has an addictive trail, and is very long-lasting. You will never forget the one who wears it!"
Notes: vetiver, tonka bean, nutmeg and tobacco
Customer Review:
"Fresh, elegant fragrance. An excellent option after shaving for warmer weather. Mood uplifter!!!" —Organic1
A little bit fresh (from the shot of lemon and peppermint), a little bit floral (violet and iris), and a little bit woody (sandalwood), this nuanced scent is as layered as its probably very well dressed wearer.
Notes:
- Top: lemon, verbena, peppermint
- Middle: violet leaves
- Base: Florentine iris, sandalwood, ambergris
Customer Review:
"Love how great it smells on my husband. Think about outdoors, so fresh."—Nicky43
The only scent on this list to also be in our roundup of the best perfumes of all time, warm, spicy Santal 33 is a genderless icon of the fragrance world.
Notes: Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, smoky wood alloy, ambrox, leather accord and musky notes
Customer Review:
"I buy a lot of fragrances and this is the best by far. I have received so many compliments since purchasing... and it's only been 3 days! I've had complete strangers stop me in the mall, the grocery store, and even the movie theatre to ask me what I was wearing. The fragrance is a little woodsy, a little floral, and very long-lasting. I can still smell it on me the next day." —MatthewA
If cowboy-core were a scent, it would be this deep green scent from DS & Durga. It's unlike any cologne you've ever smelled, yet oddly familiar.
Notes:
- Top: rosewood, wild thyme, bergamot
- Heart: sage brush basil rose otto
- Base: vetiver, grass, ambergris
Customer Review:
"Totally unique. Outdoorsy without being what I’d call fresh. Casual. Great scent for hiking or biking or being in a meditative mood. It's quirky." —LMBelvi
Originating in 1978, this scent is a classic that still feels fresh and modern thanks to energizing lime and basil. Find a man who doesn't love it—we dare you.
Notes:
- Top: lime zest, basil, vetiver
- Heart: leather, tobacco, cedar
- Base: balsam, patchouli, oakmoss
Customer Review:
"Polo Green is a truly classic smelling cologne. It brings to mind elegance, class, and respect." —Jerry
This bold, classic fragrance from Dior is a bestseller for a reason. Shaped by crisp bergamot, it later dries down to an enticing woody fragrance.
Notes: Reggio Bergamot, Ambroxan, Elemi and Woods
Customer Review:
"First time I smelled Dior Sauvage, I was hooked. It's such a strong masculine yet sexy fragrance. I now have all of the line including Elixir." —stephenc24
Roja Parfums Elysium Parfum Cologne
This cologne exudes a sense of paradise, making the name all the more fitting. The warmth of vanilla and sensual leather anchors the opening citrus blend.
Notes:
- Top: Lemon, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lime, Thyme, Artemisia
- Heart: Lily Of The Valley, Rose de Mai, Jasmin de Grasse, Apple, Blackcurrant
- Base: Galbanum, Pink Pepper, Cypriol, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Juniper Berry, Benzoin, Vanilla, Labdanum, Leather, Ambergris
Customer Review:
"Bought this as a Christmas gift for our almost 30yr old son. Hubby thought it was time he had a nicer cologne than that of the average 20something yr old. Our son loves it and so does his girlfriend. This is a man's cologne for sure!" -D N.
This scent, with notes of lavender, clary sage, patchouli, musk, and leather, balances sophistication and freshness and makes a great gift.
Notes:
- Top: Bergamot, Lavender, Clary Sage
- Heart: Saffron, Cedarwood, Praline, Oudwood
- Base: Patchouli, Vetiver, Musk, Leather, Natural Agarwood
Customer Review:
"The best cologne I have ever purchased for my husband in 50 years of marriage!" -TR
This scent exudes confidence. With a sweet opening of mandarin, it dries down to spicy notes of black amber and white cedarwood.
Notes: Mandarin Leaves, Neroli, Bergamot, Bamboo, Lavender, Amber, Cedarwood
Customer Review:
"Smells great and lasts long time." -Snailtrail213
This fragrance perfectly bottles the earthy woodiness of an oud without the intensity that can sometimes turn people off. It's a fun, sexy scent that lasts all day.
Notes:
- Top: Myrrh, Vetiver, Peyote
- Middle: Black Pepper, Cedar Wood, Patchouli
- Base: Oud, Incense, Gurjun Balsam
Customer Review:
"My wife loves this so its a keeper." —Daze
This masculine scent is subtly sweet, thanks to its apple notes. But it's also a bit spicy and woody, since the fragrance contains a blend of patchouli and oak scents that add a sophisticated boldness.
Notes: Apple, Cedar Wood, Cognac, Oak, Patchouli
Customer Review:
"My other favorite of the collection... It's very dry, boozy, and woody (I'm talking REAL cognac & oak barrel), also smoky & chocolatey at times!" —Calvini
Chanel's namesake Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum is a fresh, woody blend that works for any occasion. It's captivating and sensual without being too overpowering.
Notes: Citrus Accord, Labdanum, Sandalwood Cedar
Customer Review:
"Versatile, just the perfect male scent for any occasion. Smells wonderful. Fresh, woody blend." -Vernon
YSL Beauty Y Eau de Parfum
As soon as you spray this on, compliments will come flooding in. Apple sharpens the top notes of bergamot, ginger, and sage, while vetiver anchors it all.
Notes:
- Top: Apple
- Heart: Sage
- Base: Vetiver
Customer Review:
"Fresh, clean, woody scent. I got lots of compliments and my girlfriend loves it." —Alex11
Tom Ford Beauty Oud Wood Eau de Parfum
Inspired by incense-filled temples, this popular cologne from Tom Ford Beauty features notes of rare oud wood and Chinese pepper.
Notes: Rare Oud Wood, Sandalwood, Chinese Pepper
Customer Review:
"Oud Wood smells so good, I could cry. It is the perfect scent." -lilyroseb
Versace Dylan Blue Pour Homme
Escape to the blue seas of the Mediterranean with notes of bergamot and grapefruit. Although this is a strong masculine fragrance, Dylan Blue is still quite refreshing.
Notes:
- Top: Calabrian Bergamot, Grapefruit, Fig Leaves, Acquatic Notes
- Heart: Violet Leaves, Black Pepper, Papyrus Wood, Ambrox, Patchouli Bio
- Base: Mineral Musk, Tonka Bean, Saffron, Pyrogéné Incense
Customer Review:
"This is one of my husband's favorite colognes. Smells amazing and lasts for hours! Would recommend for the man in your life!"—Jamie
Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense
It goes without saying that Bazaar editors are big fans of Jo Malone scents. This deeper option from the brand features a hint of floral freshness that adds depth to its otherwise rich and warm amber and vanilla notes.
Notes: Lavender, Omumbiri myrrh, Tonka bean
Customer Review:
"The smell is intensive and wonderful and last on me for 5 to 6 hours. I’m so glad for this purchase. It has a very mild but yet demanding sweet smell. When I walk in a room even if I don’t overspray I’m ask 'what is that scent you have on?' and I always answer Myrrh Tonka cologne intense by Joe Malone." -PatCarey
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
This is the scent to pick up if you're looking for fresh, clean, and elegant. Citrus like yuzu and mandarin complement spices and wood for a clean scent that all genders love.
Notes:
- Top: yuzu
- Middle: cinnamon, nutmeg
- Base: sandalwood
Customer Review:
"I love this scent on my husband, but I love wearing it too! I think it's the tangerine and yuzu notes that help it be unisex. It smells yummy and sophisticated at the same time." -AddictedToQuality
A light touch of lavender lightens up this earthy scent from Loewe, which doesn't mess with the formula, just perfects it.
Notes: Geranium, vetiver, and sandalwood
Customer Review:
"Old school lovely masculine earthy, lavender aromatic that dries down to a fresh soap that lasts all day. A classic!" —NJScents
The best thing about this culty scent from Dior is that it's extremely versatile. Its floral and woody accord makes a great signature fragrance that plays well with others, or smells remarkable alone.
Notes:
- Top: Bergamot
- Heart: Rose and Jasmine
- Base: Patchouli, Moss, Cedar, Sandalwood and Amber
Customer Review:
"Very intoxicating scent. Very unique and airy. Perfect signature scent." -Scent collector Oklahoma
Crafted for sultans of Oman, Amouage scents are truly regal. Reflection for Man embodies a sense of timelessness, with notes of rosemary, jasmine, patchouli, and woods.
Notes:
- Top: Rosemary, Red Pepper Berries, Bitter Orange Leaves.
- Heart: Neroli, Orris, Jasmine, Ylang-ylang.
- Base: Vetiver, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cedarwood.
Customer Review:
"Quality scent with superb ingredients and universal appeal. True unisex." —spinteractive
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