Whether you’re looking to add some fragrance to your daily routine or are in the market for something to wear on special occasions, a nice-smelling bottle of cologne can do the trick. Between high-quality, affordable options and ultra-luxury brands, there’s a bottle of men’s cologne for anybody at any budget. However, finding the right one among all the options and industry-specific terminology can be daunting. We rounded up the most popular, best-smelling men’s cologne from the top brands for you to consider.
In this article: Chanel Allure Homme Eau de Toilette, Clinique Happy for Men Eau de Toilette and Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men Eau de Toilette
All men’s cologne has a designation that indicates the concentration of perfume oils the fragrance contains. The most common of these are eau de toilette, eau de parfum and parfum. Eau de toilette is the standard and contains somewhere from 10% to 15% perfume oils. Eau de parfum contains 15% to 20% perfume oils and has a stronger scent than eau de toilette. Parfum has the highest concentration, with 20% to 40% perfume oils, and is therefore the strongest-smelling. Take these designations into consideration before purchasing a bottle of cologne.
Contrary to popular belief, cologne eventually goes bad. To prevent any waste, consider how often you intend to spritz on your new scent. If you’re looking for something to wear every day, buy something larger that saves money and reduces trips to the store. However, if you’re looking for something to travel with or something to use only on special occasions, opt for a smaller bottle that will go empty before degrading.
There are fragrances that contain an abundance of natural ingredients at all price points, and the highest-quality options make a point to ensure their ingredients are natural. Fragrance-making is an ancient craft. In its centuries-long history, certain ingredients have stood the test of time in terms of making the best-smelling, longest-lasting scent.
High-quality colognes provide more than a great fragrance. Keep an eye out for interesting and aesthetically pleasing bottle designs that you can display in your closet or on the window sill — once they’re empty of course.
The biggest determinants of price when it comes to cologne are the size of the bottle, the concentration of perfume oils and most importantly, the brand. With that said, you can get good-quality cologne for as little as $25 and as much as $500.
A. Don’t let the price fool you — there are plenty of amazing affordable colognes on the market. However, if your preferred scent is made by a well-known designer brand, there will be a luxury markup for that reason alone. Nonetheless, luxury fragrances tend to have completely natural ingredients that are sourced from hard-to-reach environments.
A. Sunlight and heat are the main threats to the integrity of your fragrances. Be sure to store your cologne in a dark, dry place, such as a cabinet or your closet. If you want to display your fragrance bottle, keep it on a shelf away from the window and sunlight.
Chanel Allure Homme Eau de Toilette
Chanel has an unparalleled reputation as the world’s foremost fragrance maker. Allure Homme is by far one of the best choices for men. This Chanel cologne is incredibly refreshing and has a subtle, masculine sweetness that doesn’t overpower the wearer’s overall profile. Plus, like all Chanel fragrances, you only need to spray a small spritz of Allure Homme for it to last all day. To top it all off, you can get multiple ancillary products, such as soap and shaving cream, with the same addicting fragrance.
Clinique Happy for Men Eau de Toilette
If you’re looking for a youthful, fresh and fruity fragrance that won’t break the bank, look no further than Happy for Men by Clinique. This Clinique cologne is meant to evoke just that: happiness. With bright notes of fruit and citrus, thanks to the use of kaffir limes and mandarin, this cologne is great for any time when the sun is shining. Plus, you can get a variety of coordinating products at the same time for a fraction of the price of a designer fragrance, which makes it easy to create a layered, long-lasting aroma.
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum
When it comes to luxury menswear, Tom Ford has been at the forefront of the industry since the brand’s inception, and their exotic Neroli Portofino cologne is emblematic of its commitment to excellence and refinement. Most wearers describe this complex scent with one simple phrase: “the beach.” With a sweet, somewhat tropical scent with notes of sea salt and pineapple, this Tom Ford cologne transports the wearer to a completely different place. Ideal for the warmer months, this cologne is sure to complement a breezy, brightly colored outfit.
Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men Eau de Toilette
This Dolce & Gabbana cologne has a seductive and elegant scent, perfect for date night and the debonair man. The scent is not overpowering, meaning it's also great for everyday wear. The fragrance features warm and spicy notes of cardamom and ginger. The sensual base exudes masculinity with woodsy and sweet notes of tobacco, amber and cedarwood. According to customers, this cologne is lacking in longevity, so multiple applications are often necessary.
Georgio Armani Acqua di Gio Eau de Toilette
Acqua di Gio reigns supreme as one of the most popular colognes for men. Its fresh, marine scent is meant to capture the warmth of the sun and the salty essence of the Mediterranean Sea. The fragrance contains citrusy and herbal notes of bergamot, neroli, green tangerine, rosemary, persimmon, and Indonesian patchouli. This Georgio Armani cologne is light and great for daily wear.
Christian Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette for Men
This Christian Dior cologne features an artful array of citrus, woodsy and earthy scents. The fresh scents of mandarin and bergamot are balanced by aromas of luscious, sweet tonka bean and leather, ending with a crisp note of cedarwood. This timeless fragrance is best suited for spring and summer wear.
This sensual Versace cologne channels Eros, the Greek god of love. Mint, lemon and apple create a crisp, fresh scent. Sweet, oriental scents of tonka bean, geranium and Madagascar vanilla give the fragrance a romantic aspect. Woodsy scents of oak moss and cedarwood add elements of masculinity. By evoking passion and desire, Versace Eros is a go-to for date night.
Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Eau De Toilette
If money is tight, you can't go wrong with this Ralph Lauren cologne. This budget-friendly cologne has a fresh and aquatic scent similar to Aqua di Gio. It's classic and refined, great for everyday wear. It features citrusy bergamot and crisp herbal notes of sage and basil. Base notes of patchouli and musk emit a sweet, woodsy scent.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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