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The 23 Best Colognes for Men, According to Bazaar Editors

These timeless scents smell great on just about everyone

By Jamie Wilson
jo malone london myrrh and tonka
Courtesy Jo Malone London

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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.”

Shop the Best Colognes for Men

  • Vetiver

    Best Earthy Scent

    Guerlain Vetiver

    $105 at Neiman Marcus
    Read more
  • Green Irish Tweed Fragrance

    Best Floral Woody Scent

    Creed Green Irish Tweed Fragrance

    Read more
  • Santal 33 Eau de parfum

    Cult Classic

    Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de parfum

    Read more
  • Cowboy Grass

    Best Rugged Scent

    DS & Durga Cowboy Grass

    Read more
  • Polo Eau de Toilette

    Best Sport Scent

    Ralph Lauren Polo Eau de Toilette

    Read more

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.

Related: The Best Skincare Products for Men


Best Earthy Scent

Guerlain Vetiver

Vetiver
Best Earthy Scent

Guerlain Vetiver

$105 at Neiman Marcus

"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

Best Floral Woody Scent

Creed Green Irish Tweed Fragrance

Green Irish Tweed Fragrance
Best Floral Woody Scent

Creed Green Irish Tweed Fragrance

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

Cult Classic

Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de parfum

Santal 33 Eau de parfum
Cult Classic

Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de parfum

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

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Best Rugged Scent

DS & Durga Cowboy Grass

Cowboy Grass
Best Rugged Scent

DS & Durga Cowboy Grass

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

Best Sport Scent

Ralph Lauren Polo Eau de Toilette

Polo Eau de Toilette
Best Sport Scent

Ralph Lauren Polo Eau de Toilette

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

Most Popular Scent

Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette

Sauvage Eau de Toilette
Most Popular Scent

Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette

Credit: Ulta

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

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Best Fruit-Forward Scent

Roja Parfums Elysium Parfum Cologne

Elysium Parfum Cologne
Best Fruit-Forward Scent

Roja Parfums Elysium Parfum Cologne

Credit: Neiman Marcus

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.

Best Splurge Scent

Parfums de Marly Haltane Eau de Parfum

Haltane Eau de Parfum
Best Splurge Scent

Parfums de Marly Haltane Eau de Parfum

Credit: Neiman Marcus

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
Best Fresh Scent

Byredo Mister Marvelous Eau de Parfum

Mister Marvelous Eau de Parfum
Best Fresh Scent

Byredo Mister Marvelous Eau de Parfum

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

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Best Oud Scent

House of Bō Infinitoud

Infinitoud
Best Oud Scent

House of Bō Infinitoud

Credit: Bluemercury

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

Best Spicy Scent

Krigler Established Cognac 66

Established Cognac 66
Best Spicy Scent

Krigler Established Cognac 66

Credit: Krigler

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

Most Versatile Scent

Chanel Bleu de Chanel

Bleu de Chanel
Most Versatile Scent

Chanel Bleu de Chanel

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

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Best Citrus Scent

YSL Beauty Y Eau de Parfum

 Y Eau de Parfum
Best Citrus Scent

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

Best Spicy Woody Scent

Tom Ford Beauty Oud Wood Eau de Parfum

Oud Wood Eau de Parfum
Best Spicy Woody Scent

Tom Ford Beauty Oud Wood Eau de Parfum

Credit: Sephora

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

Most Refreshing Scent

Versace Dylan Blue Pour Homme

Dylan Blue Pour Homme
Most Refreshing Scent

Versace Dylan Blue Pour Homme

Credit: Ulta

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

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Best Vanilla Scent

Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense

Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense
Best Vanilla Scent

Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense

Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue

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

Best Citrus Scent

Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette

L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
Best Citrus Scent

Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette

Credit: Bloomingdale's

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

Best Warm Earthy Scent

Loewe Pour Homme Eau de Toilette

Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
Best Warm Earthy Scent

Loewe Pour Homme Eau de Toilette

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

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Best Chypre Scent

Dior Gris Dior

Gris Dior
Best Chypre Scent

Dior Gris Dior

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

Best Earthy Floral Scent

Amouage Reflection Man Eau de Parfum

Reflection Man Eau de Parfum
Best Earthy Floral Scent

Amouage Reflection Man Eau de Parfum

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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