Time to get your spray on! Whether you’re looking to switch up a signature scent, update for the season, or are gifting a new favorite fragrance, we’ve hand picked some favorites – with notes across the board.
It might be time to retire the Drakkar and Old Spice and up your smelling game (not that there’s anything wrong with that). It’s a complicated scent-field out there so we’ve basically done all the dirty work for you. We’ve seen so many other sites out there listing up to 30 colognes to choose from. Really?! How are you ever supposed to decide then?!
So, we’ve kept our editorially chosen list short, pulled out the important things you need to know (like,what does it actually smell like) and gave you some pros and cons for each fragrance.
In our opinion, you can’t really go wrong with any of the below. Almost all of them will work for any time of year, but we’ve certainly chosen a variety that are geared towards cooler temps and others that are basically perfect for vacationorwhen you want to pretend you’re on vacation.
Chanel "Bleu De Chanel" Cologne Spray
Bleu de Chanel is one of the most popular men’s fragrances mainly because it’s diverse enough to appeal to guys of all ages and stages.It’s a woody, fresh, and spicy scent that has notes of lemon, pink pepper, nutmeg, jasmine, labdanum, vetiver, cedar, and white musk.
Fragrance Family: It’s classified as a woody aromatic fragrance, meaning it has a combination of woody and fresh scents, often with hints of spices. The woody notes come from the cedar and vetiver, while the freshness is provided by lemon and pink pepper. The fragrance also has a hint of spicy nutmeg and jasmine, which adds depth and complexity to its scent profile.
How Strong is the Scent?
No need to hold your nose, this one is generally considered to have a moderate to strong scent, with a score of 7 to 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. It’s not overly strong in a way that can be overwhelming, but it is definitely noticeable and can last for several hours. Of course, fragrance strength can vary depending on the your body chemistry and the number of sprays applied.
Similar Scents:
If you’re interested in Bleu de Chanel, some other similarly scented colognes include:
1. Dior Sauvage
2. Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de l’Homme
3. Gucci Guilty
4. Tom Ford Noir
5. Versace Eros
Dior ‘Sauvage’ Eau de Toilette
Dior Sauvage is, yet again, one of the top selling men’s fragrances since it’s pretty timeless and is considered a modern take on the classic men’s cologne. It has a fresh, spicy, and woody scent with notes of bergamot, pepper, lavender, elemi, and ambroxan.
So many guys (and gals) love it due to its attractive and well-balanced scent, which appeals to a wide range of men. It has a fresh and crisp opening, with a warm and spicy heart, and a woody and slightly sweet dry down, making it a versatile and timeless fragrance.
Fragrance Family: Sauvage is classified as a fresh spicy fragrance, meaning it has a combination of fresh and spicy scents. It has a fresh opening with notes of bergamot and pepper, a warm and spicy heart with lavender and elemi, and a woody dry down with ambroxan. Ambroxan is a synthetic aroma ingredient commonly used to create a long-lasting, woody, and slightly sweet scent.
How Strong is the Scent?
Dior Sauvage is generally considered to have a moderate fragrance strength, with a score of 7 to 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. It should last you for a while, depending on how many sprays you use and your own independent body chemistry.
Similar Scents:
If you’re interested in Sauvage, some other similarly scented colognes include:
1. Dior Sauvage
2. Armani Code
3. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
4. Creed Aventus
5. Versace Eros
Tom Ford Private Blend ‘Oud Wood’
Tom Ford Oud Wood is a must-try cologne that belongs to the oriental woody fragrance family. It has a rich and warm scent with a combination of exotic and luxurious ingredients. The fragrance features notes of oud wood, sandalwood, tonka bean, vanilla, and cardamom, among others.
Tom Ford Oud Wood is known for its warm, spicy, and slightly sweet scent, making it a popular choice for special occasions and cooler weather. It has a strong sillage, meaning the scent lingers around the wearer, and has a moderate to long lasting power, meaning it can last for several hours. The scent is often described as elegant and luxurious, reflecting the premium quality of the Tom Ford brand. You’ll definitely pay for that premium quality though!
Fragrance Family: It’s technically classified as an oriental woody fragrance, meaning it has a combination of warm, spicy, and woody scents. The fragrance features rich, exotic ingredients such as oud wood, sandalwood, tonka bean, vanilla, and cardamom, among others. This creates a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet scent that is both luxurious and comforting. The oriental woody fragrance family is characterized by its combination of warm, rich scents that evoke feelings of luxury and sensuality.
How Strong is the Scent?
Oud Wood is generally considered to have a strong fragrance, with a score of 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. The scent is rich, warm, and long-lasting, making it a noticeable scent that can linger on the skin for several hours.
Similar Scents:
If you’re interested in Oud Wood, some other similarly scented colognes include:
1. Yves Saint Laurent Oud Absolu
2. Acqua di Parma Oud
3. Le Labo 27 Oud
4. Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Oud
5. Gucci Oud
Maison Martin Margiela “Replica – Jazz Club” For Men
Maison Margiela Jazz Club is a sophisticated and elegant fragrance for men, inspired by the vibrant energy of jazz music. This cologne blends together spicy, aromatic, and woody notes to create a warm and inviting scent that is perfect for any occasion.
The top notes of cardamom and pink pepper add a touch of spiciness, while the heart of the fragrance features the richness of leather and the earthy depth of vetiver.
The base notes of tonka bean and vanilla provide a smooth and creamy finish, making this cologne a truly unique and memorable scent. Whether worn during the day or the evening, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Fragrance Family: Jazz Club part of the Woody Aromatic fragrance family, which is typically characterized by its use of warm and comforting woody notes, such as cedar, sandalwood, and guaiac wood, along with fresh and invigorating aromatic notes, such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme. This combination creates a balanced scent that is both masculine and sophisticated.
How Strong is the Scent?
Jazz Club is considered to have a moderate to strong scent, with a rating of around 8 out of 10. It has good projection and longevity, meaning it can be noticed from a distance and last several hours. However, it is not overpowering and should not be overwhelming to those around you.
Similar Scents:
If you’re interested in Jazz Club, some other similarly scented colognes include:
1. Tom Ford Oud Wood
2. Gucci Guilty Absolute
3. Mugler A*Men
Creed ‘Aventus’ Cologne
Creed Aventus is a luxurious and refined fragrance for men that has taken the fragrance world by storm. This cologne has become one of the most popular and sought-after scents on the market due to its distinctive scent, high quality ingredients, and elegant presentation.
The scent of Creed Aventus is what sets it apart from other men’s colognes. The fragrance features a unique and captivating blend of fresh, fruity, and woody notes that create a truly one-of-a-kind aroma.
The top notes of bergamot, black currant, and apple provide a bright and fruity opening, while the heart of the fragrance features the warm and spicy notes of pineapple, birch, and jasmine.
The base notes of oakmoss, musk, and vanilla add depth and richness to the scent, creating a warm and inviting aroma that is both masculine and sophisticated.
It’s definitely expensive, but mainly because it’s made with only the finest essential oils and natural ingredients, ensuring that the scent is long-lasting and of the highest quality. Plus, people love the bottle itself!
Fragrance Family: Aventus is part of the Fruity Chypre fragrance family. The Fruity Chypre fragrance family is a combination of fresh fruity scents and traditional chypre fragrances. This fragrance family is characterized by its use of fresh and lively fruit notes, such as bergamot, apple, and black currant, combined with earthy and mossy chypre notes, such as oakmoss, patchouli, and musk. This combination creates a unique and balanced scent that is both refreshing and grounding.
How Strong is the Scent?
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the strongest, I would rate the strength of Creed Aventus as a 9. It’s considered a strong fragrance, with a noticeable and long-lasting scent that can linger for several hours. It may vary depending on individual body chemistry, but overall it’s a potent and assertive scent that is well suited for those who prefer bold and impactful fragrances.
Similar Scents:
If you’re interested in Aventus, some other similarly scented colognes include:
1. John Varvatos Artesian
2. Prada L’Homme
3. Tom Ford Oud Wood
Scentbird Monthly Cologne Subscription Box
I’m really a huge fan of ScentBird, especially if you’re looking for a unique gift idea for someone else – or just want to try a new fragrance each and every month.
ScentBird is a monthly fragrance subscription service that allows you to try new name brand (and popular) colognes and perfumes at a low cost. Here’s how it works:
Sign Up: Create an account on the ScentBird website and take a quiz to determine your fragrance preferences.
Choose Your Scent: Select a fragrance from ScentBird’s wide range of options and have it delivered to your door each month.
Enjoy: Use your monthly fragrance and enjoy trying out new scents every month.
Flexibility: You can change or pause your subscription at any time, and you only pay for the months you use the service.
Basically, you can try out new fragrances without having to buy full-sized bottles, which can be expensive. The service allows you to test a variety of scents and find your perfect fragrance at an affordable cost.
Dolce & Gabbana “The One For Men”
The One For Men” has a warm and spicy scent, with top notes of grapefruit, coriander, and basil. It features heart notes of cardamom and ginger, and a base of tobacco, cedarwood, and amber. This combination creates a masculine and sophisticated fragrance that is both bold and elegant.
I also consider this one to be totally versatile. It really can be worn for any occasion, from a formal event to a casual night out. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for men who want a signature scent that can work for any situation.
Fragrance Family: The One For Men is a member of the oriental spicy fragrance family, which is characterized by warm, rich, and often sweet scents that often feature notes of spices, resins, and precious woods. It’s often thought of as being elegant and sophisticated, making it a popular choice for special occasions or for those looking for a signature scent.
How Strong is the Scent?
The One For Men” is typically considered to be around a 7 in terms of strength, on a scale of 1-10. It has a bold and long-lasting scent, making it a great choice for those who want a fragrance that will last throughout the day.
Similar Scents:
If you’re interested in The One For Men, some other similarly scented colognes include:
1. Versace Eros
2. Armani Code
3. Herme Terre d’Hermes
Valentino “Uomo Yellow Dream”
Valentino Uomo Yellow Dream is a refreshing and light scent for men that is part of the Valentino Uomo line of perfumes. It you like a fresh, citrusy, and spicy scent with a hint of sweetness this just may be the perfect one for you!
It features top notes of lemon, bergamot, and ginger; heart notes of orange blossom and lavender; and base notes of vanilla, amber, and cedarwood.
Overall it’s perfect for daytime wear and has a bright and invigorating scent that is both fresh and warm. It’s truly a versatile scent that’s suitable for casual or even formal occasions.
Fragrance Family: This one falls into the citrus and spicy fragrance family. The citrusy top notes of lemon, bergamot, and ginger provide a fresh and bright opening, while the spicy heart notes of orange blossom and lavender add warmth and depth to the scent. The addition of vanilla, amber, and cedarwood in the base notes help to balance the fragrance and give it a subtle sweetness and richness.
How Strong is the Scent?
On a scale of 1-10, it might be around a 7. It’s not an overpowering scent but still has good presence and can be noticed by others close by. Overall it has good longevity and moderate sillage (the scent trail it leaves).
Similar Scents:
If you’re interested in Yellow Dream, some other similarly scented colognes include:
1. Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
2. Dior Sauvage
3. Ralph Lauren Polo Blue
4. Hugo Boss Orange For Men
5. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
Viktor&Rolf “Spicebomb”
Spicebomb is a tried-and-true fragrance that has made our list year after year. Overall it’s bold, spicy, and explosive, hence the name “Spicebomb.”
It features top notes of pink pepper, bergamot, and grapefruit; heart notes of cinnamon, elemi, and Sichuan pepper; and base notes of tobacco, vetiver, and leather.
This combination of spices, fresh citrus, and warm, rich base notes creates a scent that is both invigorating and seductive. Not only is the scent explosive, people are also obsessed with the bottle – also explosive-shaped that’s designed to be eye-catching and memorable.
If you’re into a bold, spicy fragrance that makes a statement and is suitable for both casual and formal occasions – definitely check this one out. Keep in mind it’s often worn during the colder months due to its warm and comforting scent, but you can really wear it whenever you’d like.
Fragrance Family: Spicebomb falls into the spicy fragrance family. The dominant notes of pink pepper, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and tobacco give the scent its bold, spicy character, while the fresh citrus top notes of bergamot and grapefruit provide a bright and invigorating opening. The warm, rich base notes of vetiver, leather, and elemi help to balance the fragrance and give it depth and complexity.
How Strong is the Scent?
On a scale of 1-10 I’d definitely give Spicebomb a 9 out of 10. It certainly is memorable and can instantly be detected when you walk in the room, but not necessarily in a bad way. A little goes a long way with this one so use it sparingly.
Similar Scents:
If you’re interested in Spicebomb, some other similarly scented colognes include:
1. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
2. Prada L’Homme Intense
3. Paco Rabanne 1 Million
Versace Man ‘Eau Fraiche’
$70 – $120
Top notes of white lemon, and rose wood blend with tarragon, cedar leaves, and clary sage – finishing off with vegetal amber, acajou, and musk. Yes, this one is basically an entire vacation in a bottle. It almost instantly relaxes you and brings back memories of happier (and more simple) times.
It’s a Match For You If:You’ll love this one if you want something light, fun, airy, tried-and-true. While many will wear this one in the warmer months, we think it’ll help you feel like your on an island even in the dead of the winter.
Take a Pass If:If you need something strong andwoodsier you may not love this one.
Issey Miyake
$55.00
$41.95 (24% Off!)
This cologne has a fresh yet warm, woody scent accented with spicy notes like yuza, cinnamon, nutmeg, and evened out with sandalwood.
It’s a Match For You If:You want to add something totally unique into your life, especially when so many other colognes smell the same. This is truly a one-of-a-kind and you really can’t beat the price either.
Take a Pass If:Perhaps skip this one if you need it to last all day and night. It’s really one of those that you spray when you first start your day and then give yourself a little spritz later in the day (or night) when you want to freshen it up.
Acqua di Gio
$35 – $134
The good old classic standby; transparent, aromatic, and woody in nature combined with marine notes, fruits, herbs, and woods. It’s also a great gift idea for your dad this season. Either way you can’t go wrong!
It’s a Match For You If:If you’re looking to go back to simpler times (re: your youth) you’re going to want to pick this one up again. And the pricing can’t be beat, especially if you want to go with the smaller optionor if you’re looking for an affordable gift.
Take a Pass If:You’ll most likely want to skip this one if it reminds you of every high-school dance you’ve ever been too and you’ve moved on. We get it. We still love it though.
Before You Go:
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