What Are the Best Colognes for Men? Inside My Dizzying Quest to Find Them (2024)

Searching for the best cologne for men is quite the daunting task. I would know—I’ve been on the hunt for months. Years. Test-driving virtually every brand out there, I’ve sniffed about just every scent possible, too—from smokey and earthy to crisp and fruity. What makes a scent the best scent? It’s subjective, really, but the best options out there feature the right balance of notes, wearability (is there anything worse than a fragrance that doesn’t last throughout the day?), and yes, shelf appeal. Don’t you love a good bottle design?

A continuous deep dive into the world of men’s fragrances has unearthed a few of my personal favorite colognes (like Officine Universelle Buly’s Triple Al Kassir, an underrated option)—plus, a host of bestsellers and trending scents from Maison Margiela, Tom Ford, Creed, Dior, and more. 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.

Vogue’s Favorite Colognes for Men

• Best Day-to-Night: Chanel Bleu de Chanel, $178
• Best Nature-Inspired: Dior Sauvage, $100
• Best Floral for Men: Calvin Klein Eternity for Men, $83
• : Ralph Lauren Polo Black, $99
• : Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club, $160
• : Byredo Bibliothèque, $200
• Best Cozy Cologne: Tom Ford Oud Wood, $285
• Best Hidden Gem: Le Labo Another 13, $310
• Best Crisp Cologne: Creed Aventus, $365

In This Article

• How to Choose a Men’s Cologne
• How to Apply Cologne
• How to Make Cologne Last Longer
• Eau de toilette vs Eau de Parfum and Cologne
• Colognes vs Perfume for Men

• Why We Love It: Fresh, clean, and sensual, this men’s scent from Chanel includes notes of citrus, labdanum, sandalwood, and cedar. It can easily transition from day to night (a musky undertone makes it perfect for a date).
• Notes: Cedar, New Caledonian sandalwood, tonka bean, vanilla, citrus accord
• Available Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 5 oz

• Why We Love It: Inspired by nature and its raw materials, this scent from Dior perfumer François Demachy is earthy and woody. 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
• Available Sizes: 1 oz, 2 oz, 3.4 oz

• Why We Love It: Some classics never die, and Ralph Lauren’s Polo Black fragrance stands the test of time. A bold fusion of iced mango, lemon, and tangerine is combined with sandalwood, sage, and patchouli noir for a bittersweet end result. Bold and aromatic, it’s the ultimate scent to get noticed in.
• Notes: iced mango, Spanish sage, green effervescent accord, silver arnoise, patchouli noir, sandalwood, tonka bean, hedione
• Available Sizes: 4.2 oz, 6.7 oz

Best Clean Cologne: Aesop Hwyl

• Why We Love It: Aesop’s Hwyl shines in a sea of musky, rich men’s perfumes. This is fresh and earthy as if you’re taking a walk through the forest on a foggy day morning after the rain’s cleared. Dew drops left on the leaves and surrounded by Hinoki trees, the air smells woody and green, though Hwyl adds a hint of spice at the top via elemi and pink pepper.
• Notes: Thyme, elemi, pink pepper, cypress, suede, geranium, vetiver, frankincense, cedar
• Sizes: 1.6 fl oz., 3.3 fl. oz

• Why We Love It: This best-selling fragrance from Creed was introduced in 2010 and continues to be a fan favorite. 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
• Available Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.3 oz

Best Fruity Cologne: Hugo Boss Boss

• Why We Love It: Launched in 1998, this enduring cologne is a cult classic thanks to its timeless, masculine scent. Fruity and citrus top notes of apple, lemon, and plum are balanced against a hefty floral and spicy base, including geranium, sandalwood, and vetiver.
• Notes: Apple, lemon, plum, geranium, cinnamon, cloves, vetiver, sandalwood
• Available Sizes: 3.3 oz

Best Musk: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Silver

• Why We Love It: Master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian set out to create two scents rooted in the same ingredients—juniper berries, nutmeg, corriander, musks, amber wood, and vanilla—one gold, one silver. The latter of which offers something akin to a glass on gin—bold and spicy with just a hint of citrus.
• Notes: Juniper berries, nutmeg, corriander, musk, ambery woods, vanilla
• Sizes: 2.4 oz, 6.7 oz

• Why We Love It: Another enduring classic from 1988, Eternity is a romantic floral fragrance that was inspired by lasting love. Clearly, the love affair with this scent carries on too: It’s decidedly unisex, and works for both him and her. Notes of freesia, mandarin, sage, white lily, patchouli, and sandalwood make for a timeless blend.
• Notes:
• Available Sizes: 3.3 oz

Best Earthy Cologne: Hermès Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée

• Why We Love It: A fresh, striking scent, Hermès’s Terre d'Hermès fragrance features notes of citron, Juniper berry, and Timut pepper. Citrusy-yet-woody, it’s perfect for the approaching springtime—helping one appreciate earthy, nature-forward aromas.
• Notes: Citron, Juniper berry, Timut pepper
• Available Sizes: 3.3 oz, 6 oz

Best Woody Floral: Byredo Mojave Ghost

• Why We Love It: Mojave Ghost in unlike any woody cologne you’ve ever smelled, but once you give it a wear, you’re unlikely to turn back. Inspired by California's Mojave Desert, sandalwood is enlivened by a whiff of violet which gives this eau de parfum a soft, floral-meets-powdery edge that has enticed Byredo fans since its 2014 launch.
• Notes: Amberette, nesberry, magnolia, sandalwood, violet, cedarwood, musks, vetiver
• Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

• Why We Love It: You may know Le Labo for its signature Santal 33 scent, but Another 13 is one of its more slept-on fragrances that deserves just as much hype. A collaboration with Another magazine, the scent is equal parts musky and fresh, composed of ambroxan, jasmine petals, moss, and woody, amber-y notes.
• Notes: Ambrox, musk, amber, jasmine petals, moss, ambrette seeds
• Available Sizes: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Best Dry & Woody: Gucci Guilty Elixir de Parfum

• Why We Love It: When Gucci Guilty debuted last fall with A$AP Rocky fronting its campaign, the scent was destined to be a hit. Its allure lies in its blend of potent Ambrofix (which smells dry and woody) opposing smoother notes of orris butter, vanilla extract, benzoin, and nutmeg. Refreshing, yet smokey and leathery, this is a cologne to be remembered by.
• Notes: Rose, hot chili pepper, lavender, orange blossom, cedarwood, patchouli
• Available Sizes: 1.6 oz, 3.3 oz

Best Woody-Grapefruit: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Lucky

• Why We Love It: Paco Rabanne’s earthy, woody 1 Million Lucky scent features a unique combination of hazelnut, green plum, grapefruit, and cedar—making it a woody, sensual fragrance with a touch of citrus. The futuristic-looking bottle is also the perfect thing to flex in your medicine cabinet.
• Notes: Grapefruit, green plum, hazelnut, cedarwood, patchouli
• Available Sizes: 3.4 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
• Available Sizes: 1 oz, 3.4 oz

Best Warm Cologne: Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme

• Why We Love It: YSL’s L’Homme has a classic quality that makes it an excellent gift for men. While Y Eau de Parfum became a bestseller for its fresh, earthy notes, L’Homme is for that person eager to cozy up with their chosen scent. Like a cashmere sweater or a night by the fire sipping a glass of dark liquor, this is toasty by way of bitter orange, oakwood infusion, and vetiver.
• Notes: Bitter orange, oakwood, vetiver
• Sizes: 2 oz, 3.4 oz

• Why We Love It: Oud wood is one of the most precious and expensive ingredients for any perfumer, and this cologne by Tom Ford nails the woody scent. Combined with cardamom, sandalwood, and vetiver—with hints of tonka bean and amber—a few spritzes of this signature scent is like warming up to a nice cozy fire.
• Notes: Oud wood, sandalwood, cardamom, tonka bean. Chinese pepper
• Available Sizes: 1 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Best Mint Cologne: Frédéric Malle Geranium Pour Monsieur

• Why We Love It: Created in collaboration with master French perfumer Dominique Ropion, this scent is described as “like an eccentric Englishman in a blue velvet jacket,” an appropriate takeaway. A bright fragrance, its top notes are mint, aniseed, and geranium, while the base notes include sandalwood and frankincense.
• Notes: Mint, menthol, anise geranium, clove, benzoin, incense, sandalwood, white musks
• Available Sizes: 3.4 oz

Best Modern Cologne: Diptyque Orphéon

• Why We Love It: Diptyque’s Orphéon has a modern feel despite being inspired by Paris in the early ’60s. Named after the bar in the Saint-Germain quarter where the founders of the Diptyque boutique would meet, this is casual, yet sophisticated, lively, yet relaxed—exactly how you’d describe your Parisian friend. Essence aside, Orphéon smells first of tonka bean with a hint of smoke, but as it dries down, cedar, jasmine, come out to play for a fragrance that embodies the brand’s history.
• Notes: Juniper berry, cedar, tonka bean, jasmine, smoke
• Sizes: 2.5 oz

Best Fresh & Woody: Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF

• Why We Love It: YSL’s L’Homme is inspired by the magnetic attraction of a man with style and sensuality. Its intoxicating scent pairs citrus notes of bergamot and ginger with cedarwood and vetiver for a fresh twist on your typically woody perfume.
• Notes: Fresh accord, orange blossom absolute heart, woods accord
• Available Sizes: 3.3 oz

Best Aquatic: Prada Luna Rossa Ocean

• 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
• Available Sizes: 1.6 oz, 3.3 oz

Best Unisex: Dior Bois D’Argent

• Why We Love It: La Collection Privée is Dior’s luxury fragrance collection—a hidden gem available from the French house. While bestsellers like Sauvage are available at retailers nationwide, this line can only be shopped at Dior. Of the 20+ fragrances to discover, Bois D'Argent is a standout for men—recently reimagined by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. Soft, sweet, and fresh, jasmine, wood accord, iris, and frankincense gives the eau de parfum genderless appeal. Even Vogue’s beauty editor-at-large Arden Fanning Andrews is a fan—dubbing it a fashion insider’s IYKYK signature.
• Notes: Jasmine, iris, frankincense, wood accords
• Sizes: 4.25 oz, 8.5 oz

Best Sweet & Earthy: Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense

• Why We Love It: Drawn from the sap of the Namibian myrrh tree, this earthy scent is combined with warm almond and vanilla notes of the tonka bean for a rich, full-bodied finish. A hint of lavender and honey lightens it up and makes it a year-round scent for any occasion.
• Notes: Lavender, Camphor, honey, hay, Omumbiri myrrh, tonka bean, almond, vanilla, tobacco
• Available Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Best Sweet Cologne: Azzaro The Most Wanted

• Why We Love It: Azzaro’s The Most Wanted Intense is one of those scents that makes you do a double take. On first whiff, cardamom top notes will capture your attention, though caramel and toffee accord at the heart and amber at its base will emerge as the eau de parfum wears on the skin. Sweet, cozy, and energizing, this is perfect for wear through the fall and winter.
• Notes: Green cardamom, toffee accord, amber woods
• Sizes: 3.3 oz

Best Fresh & Tropical: Versace Eros

• Why We Love It: In a chic, Art Deco–style bottle, Versace’s Eros scent is both fresh and tropical. Notes of mint, orange, and woody vanilla are all refreshing—like taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. It obviously wears well in the summer, but is a pretty universal cologne overall. Make your own rules on when and how you wear it.
• Notes: Italian lemon, mandarin, mint oil, candied apple, geranium flower, clary sage, Ambermax, cedarwood, vetiver Orpur essence, sandalwood, vanilla
• Available Sizes: 3.4 oz, 6.7 oz

Best Citrus Cologne: Acqua di Parma Colonia

• Why We Love It: One of Acqua di Parma’s most popular colognes, Colonia is a fresh, citrusy scent that suits any occasion. It includes key notes of lemon, bergamot, lavender, and patchouli. A few sprays of this is like drinking a tall glass of orange juice.
• Notes: Lemon, sweet orange, Calabrian bergamot, lavender, Bulgarian rose, Verbena, rosemary, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli
• Available Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 6 oz

Best for Everyday: Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio

• Why We Love It: Released in 1996, this classic scent, inspired by the ocean, has stood the test of time for a reason. The earthy fragrance is the ideal everyday scent, combining cyprus, musk, bergamot, neroli, rosemary, and patchouli for a fresh finish.
• Notes: Calabrian bergamot, neroli, green tangerine, rosemary, persimmon, Indonesian patchouli
• Available Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 6.7 oz

Best Tangy Spice: Parfums De Marly Layton

• Why We Love It: Through its pairing of fresh spices and tangy florals, Parfums de Marly’s Layton looks to evoke the essence of a sophisticated man. Geranium, jasmine, and violet are the heart of its blend, enhanced by notes of vanilla, guaiac wood, apple, pink pepper, and patchouli to craft a contemporarily addictive cologne perfect for an evening out.
• Notes: Vanilla, guaiac wood, apple, pink pepper, patchouli, caramelized coffee
• Available Sizes: 2.5 oz, 4.2 oz, 6.8 oz

Best Singular Ingredient: Escentric Molecules Molecule 01

• Why We Love It: Escentric Molecules’s fragranced are based on a singular ingredient that’s not found in nature, but rather created in a laboratory in 1973. Enter: Iso E Super—a molecule perfumer Geza Schoen was reportedly drawn to for its addictive quality. Spraying it on before a trip to his local bar, Schoen realized that women were drawn to it, too. Molecule 01 offers the ingredient in a pure form for a warm and slightly sweet scent sure to turn heads.
• Notes: Iso E Super
• Sizes: 30 mL, 100 mL

Best Fiery: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb

• Why We Love It: Viktor&Rolf’s Spicebomb is the classic spicy men’s cologne to know; a standout fragrance since its 2012 launch, it serves as the “male” counterpart to the brand’s Flowerbomb perfume. Oft described as “fiery,” “addictive,” and “sensual,” here, acclaimed perfumer Olivier Polge blends warm spices like cinnamon, saffron, and paprika, with pink peppercorn and grapefruit—balanced by notes of leather and tobacco.
• Notes: Bergamot, grapefruit, pink pepper, elemi, cinnamon, chili pepper, saffron, leather, vetiver, tobacco
• Sizes: 3 oz, 5 oz

Best for a Date: Kilian Old Fashioned

• Why We Love It: Kilian’s latest eau de parfum has effortless sex appeal. Bottling what a classic Old Fashioned tastes like—bitter, sweet, and smooth—via wheat absolute, davana essence, cedarwood, and tolu balm which mix together into a scent that is rich but not overpowering, Kilian’s fragrance is certain to last on the skin as the night goes on.
• Notes: Wheat absolute, davana essence, cedarwood, styrax, tolu balm
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

How to Apply Cologne

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 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.

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.

Below, 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.