.jpg?w=696&resize=696,0&ssl=1 "What Are the Best Colognes for Men? Inside My Dizzying Quest to Find Them")
.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1&description=What+Are+the+Best+Colognes+for+Men%3F+Inside+My+Dizzying+Quest+to+Find+Them){kind=link}
Searching for the best cologne for men is no small feat—and I would know. I’ve spent months, even years, on this quest, testing everything from niche labels to department store staples. I’ve spritzed my way through smoke-filled woods, sun-soaked citrus orchards, and fresh, aquatic breezes, trying to pin down what truly makes a scent stand out.
Of course, fragrance is personal. What lingers on one person might feel overpowering—or disappear entirely—on another. But I’ve learned that the best men’s fragrances tend to strike a careful balance: a harmony of top, middle, and base notes; longevity that carries you through the day; and a bottle that looks as good on your dresser as it smells on your skin. After all, design matters, too. Who doesn’t love a fragrance that doubles as a piece of art?
Vogue’s Favorite Colognes for Men
Featured in this article
In This Story
But beyond the technicals, fragrance is about identity. The cologne you choose becomes an extension of you—it walks into the room before you do, and stays after you’ve left. It can whisper confidence, suggest mystery, or spark nostalgia. More than just a scent, it’s a silent signature, a reflection of your personality captured in a single spritz.
Below, scroll on and explore Vogue’s top picks for every occasion along with some useful tips on how to choose and apply your brand new scent.
- Why We Love It: Crisp, refined, and quietly magnetic, this Chanel fragrance blends bright citrus with labdanum, sandalwood, and cedar. It’s versatile enough for daily wear, yet the subtle muskiness gives it an edge that feels especially suited to evening plans or a date. The version highlighted here is the parfum—the most concentrated and luxurious take on Bleu de Chanel. If you’re after something lighter and more laid-back for everyday use, the eau de toilette is a choice alternative.
- Notes: Cedar, New Caledonian sandalwood, tonka bean, vanilla, citrus accord
- Fragrance Family: Fresh, citrus, woody
- Cologne Type: Parfum, also available in eau de toilette and eau de parfum
- Vibe: Confident and sophisticated, without being overwhelming
- Available Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 5 oz
- Why We Love It: Another 13 is one Le Labo’s more slept-on fragrances. A collaboration with Another magazine, the scent is equal parts musky and fresh, composed of ambroxan, jasmine petals, moss, and woody, amber-y notes. Plus, it’s Paul Mescal’s go-to scent, previously telling British GQ he got it as a wrap gift for a former co-star and wound up keeping it for himself. How does he describe it? One word: delicious. And while we’re talking famous Irishmen, Nial Horran reaches for a cult-favorite pick from Le Labo, Santal 33. “I had no idea that a simple TikTok would lead to this,” Horran previously told Vogue Beauty secrets of his signature scent.
- Notes: Ambrox, musk, amber, jasmine petals, moss, ambrette seeds
- Fragrance Family: Musky, ambery
- Cologne Type: Eau de parfum
- Vibe: The fragrance nerd interested in scents never-smelled-before—or the cool guy who doesn’t want to smell like everyone else.
- Available Sizes: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
- Why We Love It: Oud wood is among the most prized—and priciest—ingredients in perfumery, and Tom Ford captures its richness flawlessly in this standout cologne. The fragrance layers exotic rosewood and cardamom with sandalwood and vetiver, while subtle touches of tonka bean and amber add warmth and depth. The effect? A scent that feels both sophisticated and comforting, like settling in beside a crackling fire.
- Notes: Cardamom, pink pepper, patchouli, amber, oud, tonka bean
- Fragrance Family: Woody, spicy
- Cologne Type: Eau de parfum, also available in a parfum
- Vibe: Cozying up at your favorite hotel—think Casa Cipriani
- Available Sizes: 1 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
- Why We Love It: When Francis Kurkdjian designed his Gentle Fluidity duo, he worked from the same palette of notes—juniper berries, nutmeg, coriander, musks, amber wood, and vanilla—but crafted two very different personalities. Gentle Fluidity Silver, the cooler counterpart to Gold, is sharp and invigorating, reminiscent of a crisp gin cocktail. Fragrance expert Eudora Nwasike says this pick can be worn any season, any occasion, always impressing with a pleasant scent trail. It leans bold and spicy, with a touch of citrus brightness that keeps it clean and modern.
- Notes: Juniper berries, nutmeg, corriander, musk, ambery woods, vanilla
- Fragrance Family: Fresh, spicy, aromatic
- Cologne Type: Eau de parfum
- Vibe: Picture if a chilled negroni was a fragrance.
- Available Sizes: 2.4 oz, 6.7 oz
- Why We Love It: This best-selling fragrance from Creed was introduced in 2010 and continues to be a fan favorite—often worn by global superstars and tastemakers like Usher. It features crisp top notes of apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, and bergamot, with heftier heart and base notes including birch, patchouli, vanilla, and musk. It’s inspired by the life of a historic emperor and meant to symbolize strength, power, and success—who wouldn’t want that?
- Notes: Apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, bergamot, birch, patchouli, vanilla, musk
- Fragrance Family: Fresh, citrus
- Cologne Type: Eau de parfum
- Vibe: A man oft-described as a “ball of energy”
- Available Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.3 oz
- Why We Love It: As the old adage goes—if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This Calvin Klein icon, first released in 1988, has more than stood the test of time. Its enduring appeal lies in its versatility—it’s unapologetically unisex, seamlessly wearable for both him and her. A composition of white florals—freesia, mandarin, sage, lavender, geranium—mix with sandalwood, to offer an aromatic balance that strikes as timeless, fresh, and endlessly relevant.
- Notes: Mandarin, lavender, freesia, basil, geranium, sage, sandalwood, rosewood, amber
- Fragrance Family: Aromatic
- Cologne Type: Eau de toilette
- Vibe: The sweetheart, hopeless romantic
- Available Sizes: 3.3 oz
- Why We Love It: Diptyque’s beloved bestseller, Orphéon, is a fragrant tribute to Paris in the 1960s. Taking its name from a jazz bar once frequented by a merry band of artists and bohemians, the scent captures the essence of that cultural hub in olfactory form. Woody and warm, it conjures the atmosphere of a dimly lit lounge—polished wooden tables, velvet upholstery, and a haze of conversation drifting through the night. Even fragrance insiders are smitten: Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation, calls it a favorite she and her husband wear on their date nights (or days).
- Notes: Juniper berry, cedar, tonka bean, jasmine, smoke
- Fragrance Family: Woody, floral
- Cologne Type: Eau de parfum
- Vibe: The personification of a Scorpio man—intense with a bit of a sweet side.
- Sizes: 2.5 oz
Best Fruity: Ralph Lauren Ralph’s Club New York Eau de Parfum
- Why We Love It: There’s a new fragrance poster boy in town, and it’s none other than Usher, baby (see what we did there?). While the music icon was once known for sporting Creed, his latest scent leans classic and refined. The fragrance marries juicy black accord with warm sandalwood, all housed in a sharp, flask-like bottle. Ever the style icon, the collaboration reportedly sparked after Usher was spotted as a regular at the uptown hotspot Polo Bar. “I’ve found that music and fragrance aren’t really that different—you play with notes, and you try to make people feel something—so this was an opportunity to be creative with them,” he told Vogue. And if you’re shopping timeless options, the OG Ralph Lauren fragrance, Polo Black, remains a standout.
- Notes: Blackcurrant accord, wrinkled leaves accord, green Italian Mandarin, bergamot Calabria heart, lavender, geranium oil Madagascar, sandalwood, bourban vanilla
- Fragrance Family: Fruity, woody, fresh
- Cologne Type: Eau de parfum
- Vibe: Lives on the Upper East Side, frequents The Polo Bar
- Available Sizes: 4.2 oz, 6.7 oz
- Why We Love It: Imagine yourself in a dimly lit jazz club with the perfect cocktail, surrounded by cigar smoke and leather chairs. This scent is the next best thing: Warm and spicy, it has notes of pink pepper, rum, and tobacco. Perfect for the fall and winter months when you want to hibernate in full cozy mode.
- Notes: Pink pepper, primofiore lemon, neroli, rum absolute, clary sage, java vetiver, tobacco leaf absolute, vanilla bean, styrax resin
- Fragrance Family: Warm, spicy
- Cologne Type: Eau de toilette
- Vibe: Late nights at a Parisian jazz club with a cigar in hand
- Available Sizes: 1 oz, 3.4 oz
- Why We Love It: Inspired by nature and its raw materials, this scent from Dior perfumer François Demachy is earthy and woody (and it will certainly leave a lasting impression). Warm notes of bergamot, pepper, and amberwood take cues from a desert landscape—but can still be worn in the dead of winter, thanks to its refined, non-overpowering finish.
- Notes: Calabrian bergamot, pepper, amberwood, ambroxan
- Fragrance Family: Fresh, aromatic, ambery
- Cologne Type: Eau de toilette, also available in eau forte, elixir, parfum, and eau de parfum
- Vibe: Someone you might describe as rugged, but in a refined way
- Available Sizes: 1 oz, 2 oz, 3.4 oz
- Why We Love It: Mojave Ghost isn’t your typical woody fragrance—and once you’ve worn it, there’s no going back. Inspired by California’s vast Mojave Desert, it pairs the depth of sandalwood with a delicate touch of violet, creating a powdery-floral softness that’s both unexpected and addictive. Since its debut in 2014, it’s been a cult favorite among Byredo devotees. Even Vogue alum Ian Malone, a man of undeniable taste, has sung its praises, describing each spritz as a spark of allure and excitement.
- Notes: Amberette, nesberry, magnolia, sandalwood, violet, cedarwood, musks, vetiver
- Fragrance Family: Floral, powdery, woody
- Cologne Type: Eau de parfum
- Vibe: A true unisex scent—equally masculine and feminine
- Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.
- Why We Love It: For the no-frills guy who likes to keep things simple, Escentric Molecules delivers a fragrance built around a single note. That note isn’t plucked from nature but engineered in a lab back in 1973: Iso E Super. Perfumer Geza Schoen was captivated by its addictive quality—and quickly discovered others were, too. Legend has it that after wearing it on a night out, he noticed just how magnetic the molecule could be. Molecule 01 bottles Iso E Super in its purest form, resulting in a warm, subtly sweet scent that feels effortless yet undeniably attention-grabbing.
- Notes: Iso E Super
- Fragrance Family: Woody, aromatic, sweet
- Cologne Type: Eau de parfum
- Vibe: The intellect or guy in tech—someone who can appreciate Molecule 01’s mineralic qualities
- Sizes: 30 mL, 100 mL
Best Day-to-Night: Armani Acqua Di Gió Profondo Parfum
- Why We Love It: Giorgio Armani’s take on an aquatic scent is modern and versatile. Like a splash of cool water, this scent is bright, with salty top notes of green mandarin and marine accords meet aromatic hints of lavender and rosemary, while a warm base of patchouli, musk, and cedarwood adds depth and longevity. The result is fresh yet grown-up—and its fragrance that Nwasike notes feels effortless for daytime wear but elegant enough for evening moments. Meanwhile, on the spicier side of things, Armani Code is a classic scent of the brand, while Acqua di Giò is barely there and fresh.
- Notes: Marine Notes, Green Mandarin, Cypress, Lavender, Rosemary, Patchouli, Musk, Cedarwood
- Fragrance Family: Aquatic fougere
- Cologne Type: Eau de Parfum (Refillable)
- Vibe: Someone who wants a scent that effortless transitions from rom desk to drinks.
- Sizes: 30 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL, 150 mL refill bottle
- Why We Love It: Created in collaboration with master French perfumer Dominique Ropion, this scent has been described as “an eccentric Englishman in a blue velvet jacket”—a fitting characterization. Its brightness comes through in top notes of mint, aniseed, and geranium, anchored by a base of sandalwood and frankincense. And while this fragrance shows Ropion’s playful side, the brand is equally celebrated for another creation from master perfumer Maurice Roucel: Musc Ravageur. Sensual and magnetic, it’s earned hall-of-fame status in the words of Linda G. Levy.
- Notes: Mint, menthol, anise geranium, clove, benzoin, incense, sandalwood, white musks
- Fragrance Family: Aromatic, fresh, spicy
- Cologne Type: Eau de parfum
- Vibe: Someone who likes to work with their hands—be it cooking or gardening
- Available Sizes: 3.4 oz
- Why We Love It: A fresh, striking scent, Hermès’s Terre d’Hermès fragrance features notes of citron, Juniper berry, and Timut pepper. “An icy cloak fertilizes the earth, exalting it with new and vibrant strength,” is how Hermès perfumer Christine Nagel describes it. Citrusy-yet-woody, it’s perfect for the approaching springtime—helping one appreciate earthy, nature-forward aromas.
- Notes: Citron, Juniper berry, Timut pepper
- Fragrance Family: Citrus, woody
- Cologne Type: Eau de parfum
- Vibe: Hot and cold, a man who embraces duality
- Available Sizes: 1.69 oz, 3.3 oz, 6 oz
- Why We Love It: Aromatic, musky, and aquatic in nature, Prada’s Luna Rossa Ocean is a refreshingly earthy blend. A stand-out reinvented fougère, this smells of Haitian vetiver, musks, and patchouli at its base, accented by smooth lavender, suede, and saffron. Its freshness is achieved by a citrus blend that’s just as intriguing as the bottle its housed in.
- Notes: Bergamot essence, pink essence, iris absolute, vetiver essence, sage essence, vetiver essence, tonka bean
- Fragrance Family: Aromatic, oceanic
- Cologne Type: Eau de toilette
- Vibe: The sailor, or someone always connected to water
- Available Sizes: 1.6 oz, 3.3 oz
- Why We Love It: Extracted from the sap of the Namibian myrrh tree, this earthy fragrance is layered with warm almond and tonka bean notes, creating a rich, full-bodied finish. A whisper of lavender and honey adds a soft lift, making it versatile enough to wear year-round. Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden calls it a “no-brainer” for those seeking an intoxicating yet cozy scent during the cooler months.
- Notes: Lavender, Camphor, honey, hay, Omumbiri myrrh, tonka bean, almond, vanilla, tobacco
- Fragrance Family: Sweet, warm
- Cologne Type: Intense
- Vibe: Someone who like the scent of sweetness with an edge
- Available Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Everything You Need to Know
How to Choose a Men’s Cologne
As I began my hunt, I found that the market is overflowing with simply far too many options: From fruity, sweet top notes to woody or musky base notes, there are a million different combinations and possibilities. How am I to know what suits me best? Still, I went into the quest with an open mind, considering everything from light and fresh to heavy and musky—and in the process, I managed to find a number of crowd favorites that can appeal to just about anybody’s tastes.
Here, I sniffed some enduring classics—like Calvin Klein’s Eternity, which has been around since 1988—and some new favorites too, such as the Last Day of Summer from Gucci the Alchemist’s Garden (Gucci’s high perfumery line), which smells like what I can only describe as a warm summer hug. (The latter ended up being my new spring pick—with Tom Ford’s Oud Wood and Maison Margiela Replica’s Jazz Club as runners-up.)
No matter what your sensory preferences are though, just remember that the perfect fragrance simply does not exist—some simply won’t match your personality, and what you like could also depend on the season, vibe, and mood you’re feeling that day. That’s part of the fun of experimenting with different fragrances—don’t be afraid to try something new.
In your exploration, do not let the note classifications deter you. Generally speaking, top notes refer to smells on first whiff, middle notes are typically the heart of the fragrance, and base notes are the aromas that tend to linger on the skin. Understanding this can, of course, inform your buy. Once you become more comfortable with scent profiles, you’ll be able to distinguish your men’s cologne preferences—whether you gravitate towards rich musks or something light and citrusy. This fall and winter, for example, you might appreciate cozier, spicy elixirs reminiscent of evenings spent by the fire or a warm embrace.
What’s the best philosophy for buying cologne online?
“The basic fragrance families are floral, musk, citrus, amber, green, ozonic,” Darryl Do, senior perfumer at Delbia Do Fragrances in New York City, begins. From there, these families drill down into more specific ingredients—rose, lavender, jasmine; lemon, grapefruit, bergamot. “This helps the user understand what scents they like and don’t like so they can make better decisions when shopping for fragrances online. Make note of the accords that are in your favorite perfume to help you figure out what you like.”
We’d also recommended paying close attention to how the scent is described online—on the perfume’s site, on lists like ours, and on social media. By taking note of the general vibe of any parfum or toilette, you’re sure to get an idea of how it’ll smell. For example, something described as rich and sultry will not be best for a guy interested in a fresh and airy cologne for daily wear. “Once you know if you like to wear lighter scents or those on the stronger side, picking based on the concentration help you choose what fits your profile,” Do adds. Though of course, the best way to know for sure is to test it yourself. Pay a visit to your local fragrance counter or buy a discovery set when you can.
Understanding Cologne Types
What is the difference between eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and cologne? “The term eau de toilette came from the French term—faire sa toilette—which means getting ready,” says Linda Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation. How long they last depends on the composition of fragrance oil. “There isn’t an exact percentage but rather a range of oil in the product, so it gives you a general idea,” says Do. Plus, because everyone’s body chemistry is unique, the fragrance can mingle with your natural pheromones and become stronger with you.
- Parfum / Extrait: Parfums, extraits, and absolu’s deliver the highest fragrance concentration, between 20-30% fragrance oil per bottle, meaning they often last the longest and smell the strongest.
- Eau de Parfum: Eau de parfums contain 15-20% fragrance oil, per Levy, making it the cologne type with the second highest fragrance concentration.
- Eau de Toilette: “Eau de toilettes are a much lighter than eau de parfums and have fragrance concentration between 5% and 15%,” per Levy.
- Eau de Cologne / Cologne: According to Levy, cologne uses 2-4% concentration, making it a lighter scent option.
- Eau Fraiche: The term eau fraiche translates to “fresh water”—indicating that this perfume type is light and water-based, offering 1-3% essential oils.
Are colognes and perfume for men the same thing?
Colognes and perfumes for men are both excellent choices for anyone in search of a new fragrance. The difference is, however, that colognes feature a lower amount of fragrance oil in their compositions: colognes are typically formulated with 2-4% fragrance oil, perfume features around 20%, and an eau de parfum around 15%. That said, while all of these will smell great, of course, a perfume for men or eau de parfum would last longer than a cologne.
How do you know if you’re wearing too much cologne?
“Since some perfumes are beasts and others soft and delicate, it’s hard to know if you are wearing too much perfume unless you get unsolicited remarks,” says Do. “Some of the new musks and ouds are strong and can last for hours.” That said, we’d recommend starting slow when trying a new cologne. On first wear, opt for three to four spritzes along the pulse points. For future, you can decide if you’d like to layer on more fragrance based on how long the scent lingers on your skin, or, of course, how others perceive it on you. It’s more of an art than a science.
While it is actually quite simple to apply a cologne correctly, there are best practices worth considering. Generally speaking, all you’ll need is three to four spritzes (sprayed a few inches from your body) to smell great without being overpowering. We’d recommend spraying on your pulse points—the wrists, the neck, behind the ears, and near the temples. Though you may feel inclined to, try not to apply on your clothing or jewelry to avoid any damage or staining to precious fabrics.
How to Make Cologne Last Longer
To make cologne last longer, it’s best to spray it on oily skin—meaning, consider applying your cologne after showering and moisturizing with the best body lotion (or aftershave and body oil!). Also don’t rub it in, let it dry down! And, if you’re into reapplying, keep a travel size vial in your bag or opt for a fragrance oil of your favorite scent.
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue‘s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to colognes for men, we selected the best based on the following characteristics after sampling over 40 bestselling scents: key notes, wear time, innovative formulations, and the story behind its origins. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.