Outfit? On point. Hair? Styled. Smell check?
Never be caught without a good cologne, especially when there are so many great options out there for any scent preferences and budget you may have. Cologne also makes for a perfect gift for the man that has it all — or as a present from yourself to yourself for surviving the smelly time that was 2020.
Be it for a job interview, a hot date or spritz after the gym, finding your signature scent is a journey and we’re happy to help guide you through it. Here are some popular options from top designers starting at just $40 that both you and your nose will be happy to have sniffed out.
‘BOSS Bottled Tonic’ Hugo Boss Eau de Toilette, $90
Be the boss at any meeting, even if you’re on Zoom and only the housemates can smell your cologne.
Hugo Boss makes amazing colognes and the namesake scent is no different. Sold in a beautiful blue and silver bottle, Boss combines citrus and woody elements to create a masculine blend that has a much-needed zing for spring. The 100ml bottle goes for $90 on the site, but be sure to be on the lookout for coupons that pop up periodically.
Kenneth Cole Black, $40
If women get the little black dress, then this is a little black bottle just for the men.
Black by Kenneth Cole is a great blend of spice and wood that will have you feeling all dressed up with just a spritz or two. A warm scent, the cologne is great for date night and the bottle itself elevates any nightstand. The 30mL bottle is just $40, so stock up for when you can go back to the bars and be the best-smelling guy there.
Creed Millesime Imperial, $310
This is an investment in yourself — and really, anyone else around you within smelling distance.
From Creed, the Millesime Imperial scent is a bestseller for good reason. Reminding many of the beach or a tropical vacation, the cologne combines a salty musk of the sea with lighter citrus notes to bring summer feelings into the mix, including exotic green mandarin, lemon and iris.
Chanel Bleu De Chanel Eau de Toilette, $80
What’s more classic than Chanel?
Bleu de Chanel is a bestselling scent and can be easily found at Sephora in three different sizes. Try the 1.7-ounce bottle first for $80, but be warned that you’ll soon fall in love with the scent and won’t want to wear anything else. The cologne is described as being earthy and woody, with notes of citrus, labdanum, sandalwood and cedar.
Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum, $155
To smell expensive, you need to start with expensive ingredients.
Tom Ford follows this idea, and uses one of the rarest oud wood to create the scent of the same name. It’s then blended with rosewood, sandalwood, tonka bean, amber and cardamom for a rich and full scent you won’t find anywhere else. The cologne is sold at Nordstrom in three sizes ranging from one ounce to 3.4 ounces.
Versace Men’s Eros Eau de Toilette Spray, $72
Bring the House of Versace to your own home with a bottle of the Eros cologne.
Sold at Macy’s, the teal and gold bottle with the Versace logo engraved in stunning detail is reason enough to get this cologne. However, once you discover the notes of mint and green apple mingle with base notes of oakmoss and vanilla, you’ll be completely sold. It comes in a range of sizes as well, from a .30-ounce travel spray to the largest 6.7-ounce bottle.
Burberry Touch Eau de Toilette, $84
Let’s face it, we all are craving touch right now.
Let Burberry help you out, with this refreshing scent for men. Touch evokes the smells of springtime, with top notes of mandarin and violet with a touch of woody musk to keep it masculine and strong. The 3.4-ounce bottle can be found at Neiman Marcus and can be delivered right to your door or picked up curb-side in select locations.
Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne, $72
Lime, basil and mandarin sound like the best cocktail on a summer’s day, and now you can experience that delectable combination in a different kind of bottle.
Jo Malone is an expert at mixing scents to create the perfect cologne, and the Lime Basil & Mandarin scent is one to note. The top note is the citrusy mandarin, followed by basil and the base note is actually amber wood to round out the scent. The cologne is sold in three sizes: 30mL, 50mL and the largest 100mL.
Gucci Guilty Black Pour Homme, $77
Never feel guilty for smelling amazing.
Gucci Guilty Black is a sensual scent that makes for a powerful cologne for any man who wants to feel and smell his best. The cologne combines calm lavender and coriander with zesty orange flower, with the perfect punch of patchouli for a blend you and your significant other won’t be able to get enough of. The scent is sold at Sephora in two sizes, including a smaller 50mL spray and a larger 90mL.
Bvlgari Man Glacial Essence Eau de Parfum, $113
Winter is over, but you’ll stay icy cool with this cologne from Bvlgari
Inspired by the element of air, this cologne will make you want to take a deep breath. It combines fresh scents of juniper berry and ginger with woody notes of sandalwood, clear wood and cedar for a full library of smells wrapped into one complete cologne. Sold at Macy’s, the bottle comes in a 3.4-ounce size or 100mL.
Yves Saint Laurent Men’s Y Eau Fraîche Spray, $80
The snow has melted but this frosty scent will keep you feeling calm and cool no matter the season.
This YSL cologne features the tangy scent of lemon to awaken the senses and then incorporates geranium and cedarwood to ground the cologne with some notes of woodiness. Sold at Macy’s, the white frosted bottle comes in either a two-ounce size or a 3.4-ounce, both available for delivery or pickup in select locations.
Ralph Lauren Men’s Polo Red Eau de Toilette Spray, $72
From the gold standard of men’s shirts and dress clothes comes a perfect complement in a cologne.
Ralph Lauren’s Polo scent is a game-changer, coming in four different sizes for travel, the bathroom and for the nightstand as well. Like the bright red bottle, the scent incorporates the powerful color, too, using red saffron, red grapefruit and redwood to create a spicy and sensual blend.
Givenchy Gentleman Eau De Toilette, $70
For the gentleman in every man, let this fragrance exude masculinity with a softness to it as well.
Givenchy knows how to elevate any man, be it with his style or his scent. Gentleman is a mix of both florals and woody base notes, including pear and iris on the light side and leather and patchouli for depth. Sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, the bottle comes in a 1.7-ounce size as well as a larger 3.3 ounce as well.