10 Timeless Colognes for the Man in Your Life

ILLUSTRATOR War Espejo

(SPOT.ph) Tell your favorite guy: It's one thing to don a smart, put-together ensemble, but if you really want to make a memorable impression, there’s nothing like perfume to leave a long-lasting impact (that will linger even after you’ve left the room). With the whole gamut of options available (ranging from woody, floral, musky, or aquatic), it can get overwhelming. When in doubt, turn to the classics. Here are 10 timeless men’s colognes that are worth a try.

Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Eau de Toilette (P4,160)

Trust the heritage brand that practically defined preppy to come up with a scent that exudes classic Americana. Polo Blue is a crisp, woody scent perfect for the boy-next-door—its refreshing top notes of melon and cucumber mix well with the spicy hints of basil and geranium, resulting in a fragrance that’s truly irresistible.

Available at Fresh Fragrance Bar.

Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Toilette (P6,900)

First introduced in 1916, this Italian fragrance is just as vibrant as it was over a hundred years ago. Colonia’s elegant blend of lavender, rosemary, citrus, Bulgarian rose, and sandalwood was an instant hit among renowned gentlemen such as Cary Grant and David Niven.

Available at Art of Scent.

Bulgari AQUA Pour Homme Eau de Toilette (P4,500)

For a truly refreshing fragrance, spritz on something aquatic. This scent is equal parts musky and citrusy, thanks to its blend of mandarin, lavender, clary amber, and sage that’s reminiscent of the ocean breeze.

Available at Fresh Fragrance Bar.

Lacoste Essential Eau de Toilette (P4,250)

When it comes to a reliable scent for daily wear, you can’t go wrong with something light and easy. Lacoste Essential’s base notes of patchouli and sandalwood are mixed with the spicy top notes of tangerine, bergamot, and rose, giving you a fresh and invigorating cologne.

Available at Lacoste.

Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette (P6,350)

Despite its fairly recent launch in 2014, Bleu de Chanel has become an instant classic thanks to its masculine yet alluring combination of grapefruit, peppermint, vetiver, and cedarwood.

Available at Rustan's.

Clinique Happy for Men Eau de Toilette (P3,500)

You can probably surmise what Happy smells like from its name alone. The bright and energetic blend of lime, mandarin orange, lily-of-the-valley, and cypress culminates in a clean, crisp fragrance that speaks of youth and vigor.

Available at Fresh Fragrance Bar.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne (P3,490)

Those who like their scents on the subtle side will be charmed by this pleasant Jo Malone fragrance. Evocative of the earthy aroma of the rugged British cliffs, the cologne boasts of sea salt, grapefruit, sage, and ambrette notes.

Available at Jo Malone.

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò Pour Homme Eau de Toilette (P4,160)

Inspired by a trip to the Sicilian coast, Armani created an aquatic and floral fragrance reminiscent of the Mediterranean ocean. Acqua di Giò’s intoxicating blend of hyacinth, jasmine, Indonesian patchouli, and bergamot will remind you of lazy summer days.

Available at Fresh Fragrance Bar.

Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette (P2,700)

A groundbreaking perfume that rocked the fragrance world when it was first released in 1994, CK One is a minimalist scent that oozes stripped-down sensuality. It made waves back in the day as one of the first unisex scents, with its citrusy blend that smells great on both men and women.

Available at Fresh Fragrance Bar.

Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette (P5,750)

A tribute to Dior’s classic 1966 men’s perfume Eau Sauvage, this sexy and intoxicating scent is a perfect option for date night—floral notes of Calabrian bergamot and pepper fuse with the woody musk of ambroxan, creating a unforgettable scent your S.O. won’t get enough of.

Available at Rustan's.