Have you ever walked by someone and thought they smelled great? Or bought a new cologne and had people tell you how much they liked it? Have you ever felt powerful and confident after putting on cologne at the end of your grooming routine? If you said yes to any of those questions, then you understand the power of fragrance. A fragrance can inspire a memory, change a moment or summon extraordinary feelings.
The concept of fragrance is complex and fascinating. It’s not just about the scent itself, although that is a huge part of the reason guys wear fragrances like colognes or eau de toilettes and women wear perfumes. Part of the reason humans are so drawn to fragrances is that they evoke feelings and memories. In fact, the olfactory nerve, which is responsible for smell, is connected to our nervous system.
The Power of Perfume
Did you know Persian kings can be credited with the idea of a signature scent? Each king would have his own personal scent, exclusive to him. Persia and other Asian and Middle Eastern cultures held scent in high regard. In ancient Rome, perfume was considered a luxury item and reserved for only the wealthy. Most ancient civilizations used scent in some way – from ancient China to Egypt, scent was used to improve lives and played an important role in religious rituals and burials.
Thanks to modern production methods, scent today is accessible to nearly everyone. Thousands of fragrance companies are creating millions of fragrances for men and women, and even unisex scents ranging from exclusive and extravagantly priced to mass-produced and inexpensive. With a combination of natural and synthetic fragrances, there’s almost no limit in creating scent. Today’s fragrance industry is a billion-dollar market, with demand and revenue growing each year.
What Goes Into Cologne?
Cologne is a type of fragrance characterized by its relatively low percentage of scented oils. Compared to perfume, cologne is typically more lightly scented and diluted. Cologne is a mixture of essential oils or synthetic fragrance extracts, alcohol and water. It is one of the lightest fragrance concentrations of all perfume extracts, with about 2-4% of fragrance, in contrast to perfume, which is about 30%.
Both natural ingredients and synthetic fragrances are used when creating men’s colognes. Some brands use only natural ingredients, such as flowers, grasses, spices, fruit, resins, balms and musks. Depending on their availability and production cost, these naturally derived ingredients are the most expensive components in cologne. Some manufacturers use synthetic fragrances that mimic natural scents. These can be less costly and are more easily obtained.
Men’s Cologne Scent Profiles
Scent profile is the term used to describe the fragrance categories of a fragrance. The primary scent profiles are warm, woody, oriental and fresh. Those categories are also sometimes expanded to include citrus and fruity. Profiles are formed by the notes in a fragrance, which are the individual scents added to the cologne. There are three layers of notes: base, middle and top. Top notes usually dry quickly on the skin, and the layers of middle and base notes are then revealed in succession.
To create a great-smelling and masculine cologne, manufacturers turn to some common ingredients. Here is a list of commonly used fragrances in cologne:
Vetiver
Vetiver is a fragrant grass that smells fresh, dry and earthy. It’s also described as sharp and green, like freshly cut grass. Vetiver pairs nicely with citrus scents like lemon and mandarin orange.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood smells creamy and warm. It’s commonly used as a base note, or foundation, of perfumes and colognes. Green notes like sage offset it nicely.
Oud
Oud is referred to as liquid gold in the perfume industry for its rarity and expensive manufacturing process. It smells earthy, spicy and dark. Soft floral notes like rose and jasmine are often paired with oud.
Patchouli
Patchouli has a musty, sweet and slightly nutty aroma. It’s an earthy scent that comes from a shrub found in Malaysia and India. Patchouli pairs well with citrus and floral notes, like geranium or apricot.
Tonka bean
Tonka bean is native to Brazil and has a scent reminiscent of vanilla. It’s slightly spicy and can sometimes smell earthy and sweet. It’s a great contrast to floral notes like geranium and lily of the valley.
Clary sage
Clary sage smells herbal and sweet. It is native to southern Europe, and is often used in scents with sweet and spicy notes, like orange or black pepper.
Oakmoss
Oakmoss is another familiar base note in fragrance. It smells leathery, slightly smoky and earthy, almost bitter. Oakmoss pairs well with floral notes like lavender and rose.
Now that we’ve looked at the formulation of cologne and popular fragrance notes, let’s take a look at the 17 best selling men’s colognes of 2023.
1. Blu Atlas Atlantis
Imagine lying on the warm sand near a tropical forest on a quiet island. Now picture the sun setting on the horizon while you breathe in the light sea air. That’s the feeling of wearing Atlantis by Blu Atlas.
The smooth, bright, citrusy scent of Atlantis is fresh yet musky. Atlantis starts off with a tropical-inspired scent with citrusy top notes of bergamot, lemon and blackcurrant. The middle notes of lavender, clary sage, peach and apricot blend perfectly with the bright top notes but start to bring the scent down to a muskier level. The base notes of orris, oakmoss, violet, ambrette seed and musk give the fragrance definition and sophistication.
Atlantis by Blu Atlas comes in a sleek black matte bottle with a magnetic cap. Atlantis is free of parabens and phthalates, and is cruelty-free – Blu Atlas never tests its products on animals. If you’re looking for a fragrance that embodies masculinity but has a subtle softness that draws people to you, Atlantis is the right choice.
2. Bleu de Chanel
This woody, aromatic fragrance for men is a best seller in the men’s cologne category. Launched in 2014 by the Parisian fashion house Chanel, this fragrance blend has an abundance of recognizable notes that make it familiar yet complex.
With base notes of amber, cedarwood and patchouli, Bleu de Chanel has a strong woody character. The middle notes of ginger, nutmeg and jasmine provide spicy and floral hints. The top notes of grapefruit, bergamot and lemon round out this scent’s fresh and inviting aroma.
As popular today as when it launched, Bleu de Chanel has a strong, loyal following. This cologne does not contain synthetic ingredients, and reviewers tout its versatility and year-round wear. It’s a timeless Chanel classic.
3. Aventus by Creed
Fruity yet rich and classy is the best way to describe the fragrance profile of Aventus by Creed. But not in a way you might expect; instead of tropical, think spicy and slightly musky. This cologne will start off fresh, sweet and warm, with top notes of pineapple, black currant, apple and bergamot.
When the middle and base notes of birch, jasmine, rose, vanilla and oakmoss unfold, the result is an inviting and slightly woody fragrance. Aventus is one of Creed’s best selling men’s colognes for a reason. Its light yet confident notes appeal to many men and elicit compliments when they wear it.
Aventus by Creed was created by Oliver Creed, the master perfumer for the brand. He claims his inspiration for the fragrance was the French military and Napoleon Bonaparte. With this sturdy heritage, it makes sense that it has been popular for so many years. When you wear this cologne, you’ll feel like you can conquer anything.
4. Aramis by Estee Lauder
Aramis is a distinctively masculine cologne that has unique fragrance notes like sage, thyme, cumin and bergamot. The fragrance profile also includes artemisia, which has a slightly bitter, sharp and green leafy aroma. This helps balance the floral notes and makes this cologne smell like a fresh forest after cool rain.
Aramis was one of the first men’s colognes sold in department stores. It was introduced in 1964 and has stood the test of time. The cologne was named after Aramis, the fictional character in The Three Musketeers, who was known for being ambitious, brave and a favorite of the ladies.
Reviewers call Aramis a one-of-a-kind fragrance that has an herbal, fresh scent. One reviewer described Aramis as class in a bottle.
5. Le Labo Another 13
This unisex fragrance from Le Labo launched in 2006 by friends Eddie Rischi and Fabrice Penot, who wanted to revolutionize the fragrance industry. Their evocative and unique scents quickly became cult classics, and in 2014 the brand was acquired by Estee Lauder.
Another 13 is a citrusy, slightly spicy fragrance with several unique notes. The top notes are straightforward with pear and apple notes, which make them immediately recognizable. The middle notes begin to unfold a more complex fragrance with ambrette, jasmine and moss. Base notes include helvetolide, a pear-like, musky scent, and cetalox, which is reminiscent of amber with a pronounced animalistic fragrance.
Le Labo’s Another 13 makes a statement. Reviewers describe this scent as woody, powdery and light. One reviewer said this fragrance is smooth and creamy, and veritably dances across the skin.
6. Ralph Lauren Purple Label Eau de Toilette
Categorized in the woody and fresh family of fragrances, Purple Label by Ralph Lauren exudes sophistication. The key notes in this fragrance are tobacco flower, blackberry and mahogany wood, giving it a masculine and intense scent. It also has notes of coriander, sage and thyme, so the herbal, spicy notes come through as well.
From the American fashion design house Ralph Lauren, the purple label is an upscale offshoot of the classic and sophisticated Ralph Lauren line. Purple Label cologne pairs with the sophisticated and exquisite clothing line for which it’s named.
Reviewers say that wearing Purple Label is like belonging to a gentlemen’s club; it feels quiet and private. They also love this cologne’s long-lasting wear and striking indigo bottle, pretty enough to display on any dressing table.
7. La Nuit de l’Homme Eau de Toilette Spray
One reviewer describes La Nuit de l’Homme as a compliment monster. He says that whenever he wears it, women ask him what he’s wearing.
What more can you say about this decidedly masculine cologne by Yves Saint Laurent? This cologne has a warm, spicy, fresh and citrusy scent, making for an intriguing scent profile. The top note of cardamom sets the stage for the revealing middle and base notes of lavender, bergamot, cedar and vetiver.
La Nuit de l’Homme was launched in 2009 and was an immediate favorite men’s cologne. This cologne is known for its long-lasting wear – reviewers say the scent lasts throughout the day and deep into the night.
8. Versace Eros
Versace Eros has just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the spiciness of its profile. As a fashion brand that is both bold and modern, Versace’s fragrance for men doesn’t shy away from attention. Eros is named after the Greek god of chaos, so the name is fitting.
Eros takes its fragrance cues from the Italian countryside, with notes of fresh mint, green apple and lemon. With middle notes of sage, vanilla and bitter orange, the fragrance stays spicy while building upon woody base notes of cedar and sandalwood.
The Eros bottle’s striking jewel-tone teal echoes its opulent and confident aroma. Reviewers tout its unique and non-conforming scent and consider Eros a staple in the world of men’s cologne.
9. Coach for Men Eau de Toilette
Coach for Men is recognizable in two ways: by the distinctive horse-and-carriage logo and leather tag and by its sophisticated, classic fragrance. This cologne holds no surprises, but its fresh and clean notes make it effortlessly appealing.
Coach for Men opens with a citrus and pear top note blend and then dries down to reveal cardamom, coriander, vetiver, suede and ambergris notes. From a bright start to a slightly spicy and smoky finish, this fragrance has everything a guy wants in a masculine scent.
Coach for Men Eau de Toilette launched in 2017 and is still popular enough to be one of the best selling men’s colognes in 2023. Reviewers note its timeless and classic scent and love its simplicity.
10. Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb
The grenade-shaped bottle of Viktor & Rolf’s Spicebomb accurately represents its scent. This cologne makes an impact.
Spicebomb has been described as an addictive cocktail of spicy, woody notes. It’s an apt description, considering the forward top notes of pink pepper, grapefruit, bergamot and elemi. Elemi is derived from the resin of a tree that has a sharp spicy and lemony scent. The middle notes of cinnamon, saffron and paprika dry down slowly, and then the base notes of tobacco, leather and vetiver are finally revealed.
This unusual mix of fragrance notes makes Viktor & Rolf’s Spicebomb a unique and unexpected cologne for men. If you’re looking for a cologne that will awaken the senses and elicit comments about the uncommon scent you’re wearing, this one is for you.
11. Burberry Brit for Men
Imagine a stroll down a narrow London street on a misty morning. Or a walk through the English countryside in the early summer. Burberry Brit will transport you to jolly olde England with their signature cologne for men, Burberry Brit.
Inspired by the British man, Burberry Brit has base notes of tonka bean and cedar, which gives a fragrant, warm base to the middle and top notes of ginger, wild rose and cardamom. Reviewers appreciate this scent’s classic and sophisticated scent as well as its long-lasting wear. The signature Burberry plaid bottle adds to its sophistication and elegance.
12. Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club
The fashion house of Maison Margiela may be known for its avant-garde and unconventional clothing designs, but its fragrance line is easy to wear and universally adored. Touted as a unisex scent that is a favorite of both men and women, Jazz Club is like a smooth cocktail of warm and subtly spicy scents.
The key fragrance notes in Jazz Club are tobacco, rum absolute and pink pepper. The result is a complex fragrance that will remind you of well-worn leather, fine-aged liquor and sweet fall spices. The bottle is reminiscent of apothecary bottles in old pharmacies and is simple, in contrast to the alluring and mysterious scent it contains.
Jazz Club reviewers say this fragrance is their go-to signature scent and describe it as intoxicating.
13. Byredo Bibliothèque
Inspired by old books and his hometown in India, Byredo’s founder Ben Gorham started his line of luxury fragrances in 2006. Bibliothèque is a scent both men and women can wear, but reviewers say it has a decidedly masculine appeal.
Bibliothèque is a woody, fresh and floral fragrance. It has top notes of plum and peach and middle notes of peony and violet. These floral notes contrast naturally with the base notes of leather, vanilla, patchouli and musk. The result is a warm, fresh fragrance that will garner many compliments. Byredo fragrances use only high-quality natural ingredients.
Reviewers love Bibliothèque’s spicy and exciting scent. They also tout its long-lasting wear and enjoy its versatility. It’s as much a cologne for work as it is for play.
14. Hermès H24
Hermès has been an iconic luxury brand since its launch in 1918. Their sophisticated fragrances are designed by famous perfumers and are some of the most sought-after in the world.
H24 for men is one of their newer colognes, and represents a modern take on masculinity. It is the brand’s first new men’s scent released in 15 years. This mossy, green and woody scent has floral notes of narcissus and clary sage, which are complemented by oakmoss and Brazilian rosewood. The result is an earthy and slightly sweet fragrance that reviewers say is versatile, creating a day-to-day fragrance they turn to again and again.
The sophisticated bottle of Hermès H24 is refillable, making it an eco-friendly addition to your cologne assortment. It also comes in a 100% recycled box.
15. Prada Luna Rossa Sport
If it’s a weekend and you’re dressing to go out after a tennis match or reaching for post-game cologne, sporty Luna Rossa by Milan-based fashion house Prada might be the scent for you.
Luna Rossa is named after Prada’s Italian sailboat-racing syndicate and Prada’s catamaran racing boat that sailed in the 2000 America’s Cup. The sleek black boat with accents of red in its sails is replicated in this striking bottle.
Luna Rossa’s top notes are bergamot, pink pepper and artemisia, with iris, sage and lavender middle notes. The base notes of musk, vetiver, patchouli and caramel give this cologne a severe yet playful aroma. Wear this cologne when you feel sporty, active and determined to win the game.
16. Givenchy Gentleman
Givenchy’s Gentleman cologne for men is the essence of masculinity, robust but with a softer, down-to-earth side.
Launched in 2018 under Givenchy’s famous fragrance line, the base notes of Gentleman are vanilla, balsam, tonka bean and patchouli, which set the stage for the mysterious and intriguing middle and top notes of black pepper, lavender, clove and cinnamon. Gentlemen starts off light and almost powdery-fresh, but unfolds to a deeper and more seductive scent.
The polished and sleek black bottle is a sophisticated addition to any cologne collection. Reviewers love the staying power of Givenchy’s Gentleman and say it lasts from morning until night. One reviewer called this scent a masterpiece and praised its powerfully alluring fragrance.
17. Paco Rabanne 1 Million Lucky
It’s necessary to consider the bottle of Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million Lucky cologne before the scent is revealed. This striking silver and gold bottle will have you feeling like a million bucks every time you spot it on your dressing table.
Reviewers online call Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million Lucky a sexy scent that’s never overwhelming. This won’t be the type of fragrance that enters the room before you do, but people will remember its light and classy scent.
This earthy and woody scent has notes of cedar, hazelnut and greenplum (the latter smells like sweet honey), as well as leather, mandarin and peppermint. The result is an invigorating fragrance that smells fresh and earthy. Because of its spicy notes, reviewers say Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million Lucky is an ideal autumn and winter fragrance. Its scent is reminiscent of a warm, cozy night by the fire.
How to Wear Cologne
Just as there is an art and science involved in making cologne, there is a methodology for how to wear it. There’s an optimal time to apply cologne and an ideal placement on the body. Applying cologne in the right way will ensure maximum effectiveness and that it will last throughout the day.
The best time to apply cologne is after the shower, when your skin is still slightly warm and damp. This is because your pores are naturally open and scented fragrance oils have an opportunity to sink into the skin. Another way to make cologne last longer on the skin is to apply a light moisturizer, which helps keep the skin supple and soft, creating the perfect environment for cologne.
If it is a spray, make sure the bottle is about six inches away from the skin. If the cologne is a pour bottle, apply some to your palms or fingers and then place the cologne onto the skin. Cologne should be worn on pulse points or areas of the body that are naturally warm. Pulse points like your inner wrist, inner elbow, neck and chest are areas where capillaries are closest to the skin’s surface. This means the skin will warm the scent naturally, release scent throughout the day and interact with your body’s chemistry.
Avoid spraying cologne directly onto clothes, as perfume oils and alcohol can stain fabric. Also, do not rub the fragrance after you apply it. Instead, let it dry naturally on the skin. Just two or three quick sprays or dabs should be enough to ensure the scent lasts for hours.
Finally, remember that cologne is personal, and should reflect your tastes and style. Wear cologne as you see fit and enjoy the feeling of confidence when you wear it. There’s no right or wrong time to wear cologne; wear it when it feels good.
