Besuited Aroma
32 Best Fragrances for Men – The Ultimate Guide
So, I’m a fragrance collector, and I have a ton of colognes. But I came across a problem.
My girlfriend just recently saw my collection for the first time and asked which one is the best.
Yikes! She asks tough questions.
I went to grab one cologne, then another, and another. As soon as I know, I can’t decide.
So in light of the situation, I sat down and smelled all of them again. After hours of sniffing, I’ve come up with the list below. I don’t want you to waste time and money on colognes you don’t need.
This review will describe how the best fragrances for men smell and perform. By the end, you’ll know which is best for you.
Usually, I’m a stickler for needing the lists to be ranked, but in this case, it’s not possible. I can’t objectively rank this many colognes of this high quality. Now I know this may be a bummer to some. But it is out of the best interest of you and the fragrances.
These are the best colognes for men, and I will stand on that hill. However, your nose will most likely enjoy scents slightly different than mine.
Let’s get started if you’re ready to discover the best-scented creations for men.
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Louis Vuitton Imagination
Suppose you have a problem with citrus fragrances. You love their smell, but they only last a few hours on your skin, even in the heat. Louis Vuitton Imagination might be your saving grace. I will get into performance in more detail later, but how does it smell?
The opening is an equal mix of citron and orange. Both are citruses that come across as very zesty and sharp. Now it’s never sour, but it does pack a punch the first few minutes.
As the scent progresses, it has all the typical qualities of a luxury citrus fragrance. Clean, airy, luxurious, etc… but most importantly, it’s very well blended.
Quickly the citron becomes the strongest of the duo and rests on a light bed of ambroxan. They progress into a prominent black tea and neroli mix with warm spice nuances.
Overall, this addition will come across as green and clean florals. If you are unfamiliar with neroli, it’s a great note to amplify citrus, and that’s precisely what it does here.
All these notes mix and mingle. Eventually, they settle for an ultra-pleasing citrus soapy smell. It is a simple scent, but the way in which it developed was beautiful.
The performance here is outstanding, especially for a citrus cologne. It will last an entire workday on the skin, and the projection is average for most of the wear. However, one thing I particularly like is that in the first 1-1.5 hours, the projection is really good.
There is a scent trail multiple feet long behind me. It is a warm weather wear, but it is not exclusively for summer. It will perform exceptionally well in spring and the warm part of fall.
Parfums de Marly Layton
This mini-review is an exclusive look at a scent that only collectors know. Parfums de Marly is an excellent brand with little to no brand recognition. Yeah, it’s unfortunate for them, but let’s look at the bright side for you. This could be your unique signature scent.
The opening is led by Vanilla, apple, and lavender. Vanilla is immediate at first but not to the degree that it will be momentarily. In the meantime, the apple has a degree of freshness contrasted with the sweetness of vanilla. Yet, this quickly gets taken away.
After a few minutes, vanilla washes over the opening with a warm and sexy tsunami. It encases everything and eventually adds a spicy tone. This duo of cardamom and black pepper is the perfect contrast and pairs with vanilla.
As the intensity of vanilla gives way, the dry-down starts. There is little of a change. Smooth sandalwood and other woody accords have become more prevalent. The rest of the wear is the deep richness of woods paired with vanilla and spice nuances.
The performance of Layton is excellent. Parfums de Marly consistently delivers fragrances that are very versatile and wearable. In the summer, it can be too strong at times. But you should be fine if you don’t wear it on sweltering days and limit your sprays.
Kilian Angels Share
The presentation is an interesting choice here. Look below; what does the bottle remind you of? Well, this bottle style alludes to its smell. Like Parfums de Marly, Kilian is an underrated niche fragrance house. Only collectors know about this gem.
The opening is a trio of cognac, tonka bean, and oak notes. Initially, after the first spray, the apple and cognac note pair. Leaving the woody oak in the background. The first hour is quite sweet from the apple/cognac duo. After this period, it shifts to a warmer fragrance.
This warmth is from a mixture of delicious vanilla and a cinnamon undertone. The praline that is paired with vanilla has an almost burnt sugar smell. This change leads to the addition of sandalwood and more prominent oak notes.
Interestingly, cognac trades its fruity accent for a woody one in the dry down. The rest of the wear is oak and sandalwood duo with sweet woody cognac, and cinnamon spice sprinkled on top.
This is a cologne you wear when you want to impress. The performance is impressive. Just wear it in the colder temperatures so you don’t choke anyone out.
Prada L’Homme
Just imagine you’re in a rush and need a fragrance that is easy to wear. The clock is ticking, and you can’t make a decision. Then Boom! You see it, Prada L’Homme. The perfect scent that works for any situation.
The opening is extremely clean, and a bright blast of pink pepper quickly turns into florals. Nuances of pink pepper are still there but fade to the edges. Within a few minutes, the iris becomes powdery and has a slightly sweet tinge.
The scent stays like this for some time, always retaining an ultra-fresh and clean nature.
The dry-down is developed after a few hours and is an entirely different scent. At this point, all of the florals have faded. A creamy woody accord is left and still has a clean nature.
One fascinating aspect of Prada L’Homme is that it will mix with your sweat when you’re working out. Almost every time I work out, I will be 7 hours into the wear, and as I sweat, I’m enveloped with a creamy woody aroma. This attests to its remarkable longevity.
The projection is average for 7-8 hours but then dies down to skin scent and/or dissipates completely. It is an all-season or occasion wear but doesn’t perform well on the coldest days of winter.
Xerjoff Naxos
Now I didn’t perform a survey. Yet from my experience and staying active in online fragrance groups. Naxos is the best Xerjoff, maybe even by a landslide. This says a lot because Xerjoff is an ultra-high-quality niche brand. So, why is it so good?
The bright opening has a trio of bergamot, honey, and lavender. This trio stays dominant for the first couple of hours. The beginning of the fragrance is undertoned by sweetness and cherried tobacco. The bergamot is zesty and sweet, and the lavender is slightly herbaceous.
It is an excellent balance with the cherried tobacco so that tobacco isn’t too intense in the opening. The honey is present, but it donates more of its sweet aspect to lavender and bergamot than the actual smell.
After the first couple of hours, the bergamot loses its strength, and sweet lavender fills the void. At this point, it’s time for the tobacco note to shine. When it starts picking up strength, it comes across as slightly harsh. Yet, quickly gets tamed by the calming aura of top notes.
The base is all about tobacco and dusty vanilla sprinkled with spice. There is some warm tonka bean that later fuses with the tobacco. Rather than add another aspect to the dry-down, it emphasizes the vanilla accord.
Overall, one of the best pipe tobacco fragrances. As a tobacco fragrance, it would usually be hard to wear. In this case, it’s wearable for virtually any situation. The performance is excellent, lasting from dawn to dusk.
If you’re looking for a scent with excellent projection, you’ve come to the right place. It pushes out for 3 – 4 hours but then fades closer to the skin, never becoming a skin scent. As for the season, it is a heavy fragrance, so it’s not going to be a great choice in warmer temperatures.
Terre d’Hermes Parfum
It doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to understand why this is the best citrus cologne. It’s bold and ready to satisfy. Yeah, I know that is vague. Yet, here it is for anyone who wants a fantastic citrus fragrance for a more affordable price.
Orange starts off with a bang, followed by prominent grapefruit. The orange is bold, and the citruses are bitter. It can be overwhelming if you aren’t expecting the blast, but it dries down quickly.
Into the mid is a unique note of flint. It provides a slightly earthy/Stoney vibe. Calming down the abrasive citrus and preparing you for the sensual woody base.
This blend creates a bright, earthy aroma. Citruses still linger in the base harnessing the strength of the strong moss and woody notes. Amplifying the brightness is ginger, which adds spice and some warmth. Creating an outstanding woody citrus cologne.
Terre d’Hermes Parfum has excellent performance. It is a unique special occasion fragrance that works best for all seasons. With 2 -3 sprays on my skin, it lasts over 8 hours and projects an arm’s length for a few of those.
Acqua di Gio Profumo
I don’t have enough room for this scent. There is a long list of articles in which Acqua di Gio Profumo has been included. Yet, this list speaks most to its fantastic aroma. It has a straightforward scent profile.
As a flanker of the original Acqua di Gio, it still carries the same backbone but differs in a better way.
Armani describes Profumo as a merging of sea waves with black rocks. Compared to the original, the scent as a whole is very simplified. Yet, it still retains the same freshness that we all love.
Upon the first spray is a dose of bergamot followed by a rosemary and sage duo. These three are the most prominent in the opening and rest on a salty marine background. When blended, the opening comes across as fresh with warm herbal spices.
After a few minutes, the incense becomes present and will last for the rest of the wear. It gives a light smokiness but is never heavy-handed. The fresh herbal spices melt perfectly with incense. And both now rest on the salty marine background.
Into the dry-down, there is not a heavy base note. Instead, the marine and incense notes get stronger. Amplifying the warm and aquatic accords.
You’d expect a woody accord if you are familiar with the original, but you get little of it here.
Off my skin, Acqua di Gio Profumo’s longevity is 6 hours, and its projection is an elbow length for a couple of those. No matter the season or occasion, Profumo performs well.
Dolce and Gabbana The One EDP
You might actually hurt yourself when wearing Dolce & Gabbana EDP. The first time I wore it, I sprayed it on my neck. It smelt so good that I kept turning my head to get a sniff.
By the end of the day, my neck was sore and nearly strained. This experience speaks to the quality of the scent. And why it is claimed as one of the sexiest colognes for men.
The opening is a fleeting citrus hit but is quickly overpowered by a tidal wave of warm spices. For the first two hours, spices dominate. Nuances of amber and tobacco are peaking in from the base but aren’t prevalent.
After two hours, the dry-down starts and is the best part of the fragrance. At this point, you’ll understand why it’s a sexy fragrance.
The spices tone down, and amber and tobacco are in equal parts. There is some sweetness, but it is primarily warm and inviting. This trio dominates for the rest of wear and is why Dolce and Gabbana The One EDP is so popular.
The performance is not great, but it’s incredibly wearable. On a date, you don’t want a fragrance to be announced. It should be discovered. Allow her to get faint whiffs of the sexy smell and want to come closer.
I recommend Dolce and Gabbana The One EDP as a must-have fragrance. It is a masculine cologne that you can’t go wrong with.
I have a full review of Dolce and Gabbana The One EDP if you want to learn more.
Xerjoff Uden
So you need a lemon cologne done well? You’ve come to the right place. Uden might not be the best Xerjoff, but it certainly holds its own. For a citrus fragrance, this is not only a good performer but also interesting.
The opening is a sharp and intense blast of lemon and grapefruit. Lemon, of course, is the most prominent. After some time, the citruses calm down. Sweeter, fresher, and spicier accords take their place. The main culprits for this are rum and creamy vanilla.
Now some foreshadowing here; the citruses did not disappear. They were masked by the heavier mid-accords. In the heart, I also pick up coffee and powder; both are identifiable, but at this point, the main focus is on vanilla.
As the dry down develops, the vanilla is retained, and nuances of lemon become apparent again. The final additions are Oud and sandalwood. The latter being the most prevalent. The rest of the wear is sweet vanilla and boozy woods.
Now to the best part. As eluded to earlier, it is a great performer. It projects well in the first few hours and then sits closer to the skin. It is a citrus-dominant fragrance but can be worn in virtually all seasons. The only time it struggles is on the frigid days of winter.
The elephant in the room is the common comparison to Chanel Allure Homme Sport Edition Blanche. The two are similar, but I think of Xerjoff Uden as the more sophisticated brother.
Tom Ford Noir Extreme
Maybe you’re a fragrance connoisseur, or perhaps you’re not. Noir Extreme can impress anyone, even if it’s your 1000th cologne. One of the main reasons for this is the addition of one unique note that you probably have yet to hear of.
Upon the first spray is an immediate sweet vanilla accord with a mix of well-blended spices and florals. The spices encase the vanilla and showcase it like a prize. They are strong at first, but in 10-15 minutes, they give way to sweeter vanilla and a unique note.
The top notes of florals were the least prevalent but gave the opening a light juicy citric nature.
At the same time as the spices transition to vanilla, the florals combine with ambery warmth. It’s an outstanding balance and gives the scent depth.
This all happens in about 15 minutes. Now you’re in the mid of the fragrance with sweet vanilla and kulfi, while ambery florals rest in the background. If you are unfamiliar with kulfi, it is an Indian dessert. In this case, it comes across as a nutty vanilla ice cream. The nuttiness is similar to pistachio.
Into the dry down, the scent simplifies even further. It is all about the warm vanilla and amber with prevalent woody notes. The base isn’t anything crazy, but its more straightforward nature is delightful. Creamy and mature for the rest of the wear.
Now on to the performance and one of the better ones on this list. The scent has the potential to last til the next day on your skin and has a giant projection for hours. Yet, this supreme performance is a blessing and a curse.
It is simply too strong in the warmer months, limiting your wear to fall and winter. Now for situations, it is not an everyday wear. Though it is the perfect show-stopping fragrance for a date or formal occasion.
Parfums de Marly Herod
Haha yes! A unique signature scent for you. This scent is extremely underrated. Yet, it can be worn by nearly anyone.
Right off the bat, Herod is a warm fragrance. There’s a sweet vanilla aspect that envelops you. Working hand in hand with the dominant tobacco and spices. The cinnamon and pepper duo adds to the warmth.
Yet, neither is harsh and is tempered by a relaxing dose of incense. For a while, the opening is all about these warm and spice accords mixing and mingling.
Eventually, they settle down into something sweeter and smoother. Ladbumn adds to tobacco and vanilla. Ultimately, this trio leads into the dry-down.
At this point, the sweet mid is washed over by a dark and resinous base. Allowing for tobacco and vanilla to shine for the rest of the wear.
Parfums de Marly is known for creating easy-to-wear and versatile fragrances. Herod speaks to their determination to high quality. It is mainly cold-weather wear but performs well for all occasions. The performance is above average, lasting an entire workday.
YSL Tuxedo
This scent gives me a big problem. I always want to provide the most in-depth reviews, but YSL tuxedo is so well-balanced. It’s challenging to pick out individual notes. Underappreciated in my book and, honestly, very interesting.
Immediately present is a freshness with an energetic kick and a subtle greenness. I assume this is from a duo of violet leaf and bergamot. Both are fleeting. The scent then rolls into a smooth gourmand mixture of rose, patchouli, vanilla, and spice nuances.
It is hard to describe, and I know this will be vague, but it is rich, airy, and dense simultaneously.
When doing some background research for this article. I particularly like Gent Scents’ comparison. He said the opening was like the consistency of meringue pie.
Into the dry down amber provides the dominant patchouli with a rich and dense backbone. Patchouli does not scream for attention. The scent would rather stay balanced. It has a reserved earthy quality while retaining fresh greenness and sweet, dense aspects from earlier in the wear.
Now performance is slightly above average. But for me, this is the best aspect. The projection is strong enough for others to smell you but also subtle enough that it can be an everyday wear. Now speaking of wear.
This will shine on a formal occasion but is also lowkey enough to wear casually. I attribute this to its such well-balanced nature.
Azzaro The Most Wanted Parfum
One of the main things about this scent is its balance between simplicity and complexity. The scent profile only consists of three notes: Red ginger, Wood, and Vanilla. For the most part, this is all you can smell. Yet, there are still three unique stages of development.
The first 1-2 hours is mostly red ginger. It comes across as very fresh but also has a zingy and invigorating quality. There is a touch of sweetness, and the mid and base notes are present, but not like ginger. The opening is decent, but nothing to drool over.
As the scent progresses, it gets exponentially better. The mid of the fragrance is a subtle wood with vanilla. Neither is at full strength yet. There is still sweetness, but the powdery quality is the most prevalent.
Once in the dry-down, sweet vanilla dominates. The woodiness has gotten deeper and picked up a slightly smoky quality. It provides the perfect balance to the vanilla so that the sweetness never gets too overpowering.
So how about performance? Well, it’s exclusively fall and winter wear. The sweetness is just too much in warm temperatures. I mostly see this as a special occasion fragrance – dates, formal events, etc… because of its sophistication.
However, it would also work really well for casual situations and cuddling on the couch.
Viktor And Rolf Spicebomb Extreme
I’ll give credit where credit is due. The person who thought of the name. Then designed a hand grenade-style bottle is pretty intelligent. Viktor and Rolf Spicebomb Extreme has a comforting and alluring vibe. It feels like a scent I’d use to cozy up next to a fireplace during the holidays.
So, what does Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme smell like?
The opening is a big blast of spice and pepper, but it is not aggressive. It will not be like putting your nose above a pepper shaker. A mild grapefruit note rests under the opening duo and calms down the spices. Still, the grapefruit isn’t memorable. Those are the first few minutes.
There is some vanilla and tobacco in the background, but they are not yet prominent.
As the scent develops, cinnamon is present early on and will last for the rest of the wear. Over time, it gains other warm spices, but none are as prevalent as cinnamon.
Once in the dry down, it is all about the dominant tobacco note with a dark, rich, sweet vanilla. This duo dominates with warm spices sprinkled on top for the rest of the wear. As the scent finishes, it highlights its smooth, creamy texture with a deep ambery base.
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme has outstanding performance. However, you should avoid wearing it in warm temperatures because of its intensity. There is no Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme clone. Yet, you’ll find similarities with Bvlgari Man in Black.
Tom Ford Ombre Leather
Tom Ford has a thing for commanding high prices. In the case of Ombre Leather, he made it more accessible to the masses. Initially, it was released as a private blend (expensive). After 2 years, it was rebottled and rereleased as a signature blend (less expensive).
It was inspired by Tom Ford Tuscan Leather. Yet, it took leather and made it cool and affordable again.
The opening is intense and realistic. It smells like a new pair of luxury leather gloves. The first five minutes of the scent is a strong leather accord.
At this point, white florals are introduced. They dial down the intensity of the leather and are the transition into the dry down. Here there are nuances of woody notes, but it is mostly the addition of an animalic quality.
It may be hard to imagine leather smelling fun and interesting, but Ombre Leather does it. Even though it is inspired by Tuscan leather, nothing else smells like it.
It is incredibly unique for making a masculine sexy aroma out of leather and florals. This is one of the more affordable Tom Ford colognes and the best to spice up your collection.
Performance on my skin is above average. It lasts 8 – 9 hours and projects an arm’s length for a few of those. As for when to wear, it is almost exclusively a cold-weather cologne. You could stretch it into spring, but it would have to be cool out. I would wear this for any occasion; it works for all.
I have a full review of Tom Ford Ombre Leather if you want to learn more. In the review, I describe Tuscan Leather as well.
Armani Code Absolu
This is the Hail Mary in every man’s fragrance playbook. I have read in multiple online forums, and I agree. This is the scent you choose when you want to impress. It is the perfect combination of attention-grabbing and elegant.
From the first spray is a fleeting touch of slightly creamy orange and apple. Neither lasts long – maybe a minute. Yet, they are both there long enough to capture attention.
The scent quickly rolls into a bittersweet tonka bean and nutmeg mixture when the top notes fade. Tonka bean is the most powerful of the two and will dominate the rest of the wear. It comes across as sweet and semi-creamy, while nutmeg is slightly spicy.
At times, I do pick up rum nuances that are more prevalent in the dry-down. But the opening notes are too overpowering for it to ever get boozy.
This is the main scent for a while until the dry-down starts to develop. Then you have two things going on, which is quite interesting. The dominant tonka bean fuses with vanilla, and a sensual rum accord lingers on top.
But what is also happening is a woody suede becomes prevalent. It has an earthy tinge but never comes across as dirty. This combination provides an excellent backbone for warm and smooth vanillic accords.
As the scent finishes, tonka bean remains dominant, and the woody base amplifies. At this point, all notes are present but only support the rest of the wear. So, yes, Armani Code Absolu is far from a linear scent.
The performance of Armani Code Absolu is outstanding. It lasts over 12 hours on my skin and nearly fills a room with its projection. Its elegant and classy aroma suits it best for formal and special events.
YSL La Nuit de L’Homme EDT
YSL La Nuit de L’Homme EDT is the best YSL Cologne for men and a trendsetter. One of the notes in the fragrance is cardamom. Until 2009 when YSL released La Nuit de L’Homme EDT, cardamom was not a commonly used ingredient. However, after La Nuit de L’Homme’s overwhelming success, it started a cardamom craze.
Well, this is a linear scent. The opening is a mix of sweetness and spicy freshness with woody undertones. Upon the first spray is a fleeting hit of bright bergamot. It doesn’t fade, but it does get shoved aside by cardamom. Which by all means is the star of the show. It has a warm and spicy nature and is also fresh when combined with bergamot.
After a few minutes, the bergamot is washed over by a more prominent lavender. It fuses with dominant cardamom, and the two run the show for most of the wear while resting on a fresh, woody cedar.
I mentioned that there is sweetness, and there is, but no note donates a heavy dose. It lingers in the background and accompanies the top notes. Never does it become sugary, but rather charmingly masculine.
Into the dry down, it is still all about dominant cardamom and lavender. The woodiness has gotten slightly stronger. I attribute this to the addition of vetiver. It is faint but strong enough to create a darker, woody accord.
La Nuit de L’Homme EDT is one of the best date night fragrances. It has decent longevity but an intimate projection. The smell will be unique to you. It is a popular fragrance but not one that is overly used.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum
Jean-Paul Gaultier definitely made a bold statement with this release. If you’re not in the loop, look at the bottle below, yeah… At least we know what the cologne is for. When it comes to the smell, they didn’t miss either.
I won’t lie; the opening slaps you in the face. Right off the bat, vanilla is present. It is the most dominant top note and will last for the rest of the wear. In the opening, it comes across as primarily sweet but with a touch of powderiness. The sweetness never gets “sticky,” but it is still strong.
Lavender is the second most prominent top note. It mixes with vanilla, and together the two create a warm and sweet spiciness.
As the scent progresses, aromatic cardamom is present in equal parts with lavender. Nuances of iris appear in the background but don’t really add much. At this point, lavender starts to weaken, and the base notes slowly take over the scent.
Into the dry down, the scent has a toned-down sweetness and spicy feel, but it is all about the woody, ambery tone. The rest of the wear is just this warm and deep duo.
The longevity of Le Male Le Parfum is eternal. Yet, the rest of the performance does lack, but with a seductive aroma, it is hard to resist. Jean Paul – Gaultier is best worn when going out. Too seductive and sweet for the office and formal occasions.
Guerlain L’Homme Ideal EDP
There’s a common phrase, “dress to impress” well, this is the scent you wear to this. It is very charming and ready to turn heads. Now I’m not guaranteeing that this will get you compliments. However, it will definitely attract attention.
Cherry, leather, and almond, with a mix of spices, take the lead. Out of all mentioned, the almond works most by itself and progressively gets nuttier. The other notes work in unison. Smooth leather blends with the warm spice and a unique cherry note sits on top.
As the mid develops, all the top notes are retained and have “settled” into position. They are accompanied by floral nuances, specifically lavender and rose. Neither floral is in your face, but they are present and add a charming quality.
The spices fade in the dry-down, and other gourmand notes are coated with a sugary candy-like aroma. Any gourmand note with its unique accord is clumped with the others. This clump lingers in the background of the prominent leather and wood duo. For the rest of the wear, it is a creamy and sweet pairing with leather and wood.
The longevity and projection are above-average. It will last the whole event or wherever you decide to wear it. This scent always reminds me of Tom Ford Black Orchid. Because it is so unique, it will wear you if you don’t wear it.
Guerlain L’Homme Ideal EDP is limited to fall and winter. The sweetness becomes too cloying in the warm temperatures. Yet, it’s a show-stopper for dates and going out.
Gentleman Givenchy EDP Reservee Privee
I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for presentations, and this excels in that category. Just looking at the bottle, I want to wear it. This comes from a long line of flankers – all are amazing. It is the best one from the brand.
Upon the first spray is a slight whiskey accord. It makes its presence known but is never loud or aggressive. Looking at the bottle, you get the impression that it will be more prominent than it is.
Pretty quickly, there is an addition of iris. It is dominant and has a powdery accord, but it never overwhelms the whiskey note. This duo is prevalent until woody notes and smooth amber are added. They both work in unison. The pair is strong and will definitely last on your skin for the rest of the wear.
One thing I thought I would smell but didn’t get is chestnut. There is no nuttiness to the fragrance, and it is simple.
The performance on this is excellent. It is the ideal Gentlemen’s cologne (not the brand). It is strong enough to be smelt but not too strong that it invades others’ space. It lacks versatility; it is fantastic for formal occasions but is more of a nighttime, fall, and winter wear.
Giorgio Armani Stronger With You Intensely
I’ll break down the fragrance’s name, and then you’ll have an idea of the smell. The phrase “Stronger with You” describes the excitement of new and young love. The “intensely” refers to its supreme performance. So, yes, it’s a strong, sensual scent for younger to middle-aged guys.
Toffee, toffee, toffee. This is what the fragrance says when it opens. Upon the first spray is a heavy emphasis on sweet and powdery toffee. Eventually, the sweetness is so intense that it is syrup-like. The background has a cinnamon spice, but it gets drowned out by the sweetness.
As the scent progresses, it gets a more caramel aroma and is sweeter.
For a large part of the wear, it’s just this smell. Once in the dry down, vanilla adds equal parts to the toffee. Still retaining the same degree of sweetness. For the entire wear, it is warm, sweet, and intoxicating. If you aren’t into sweet fragrances, then you aren’t going to enjoy this.
If you buy this men’s cologne, you need to like sweetness and big performance. The sweetness enhances the performance. It pushes off the skin for hours, leaving a scent trail a few feet long and a scent bubble well past arm’s length.
Enigma Pour Homme – Roja Dove
Talk about one of the best fragrances for men. I do not have this list ranked, but this definitely would have come close to the top. The performance is just outstanding. I will get into the performance later, but how does this masterpiece smell?
From the get-go, it has a cola vibe. The sweet, effervescent opening is bright and fresh. I can’t pick up much of any specific note because it is so well-blended. Yet, it is a great contrast to the sweeter, richer, and darker notes at the top.
After a few minutes, I can smell the more prevalent notes. Sweet vanilla and fine tobacco lead the charge with nuances of cognac. The booziness lingers for the rest of the wear and, at times, is dark and rich. Sprinkled throughout the fragrance are doses of spice. They blend with the mid-notes and leading into the base.
Once in the dry-down, the scent is exceptionally warm and rich. Benzoin melts perfectly with the vanilla, and woody notes are in the background. They provide support for the lingering heart notes and benzoin-fused vanilla.
So I talked about how the performance is outstanding. If you didn’t take a shower, this would last for days on your skin. When you do spray it on, the projection is excellent, nearly filling a room for 2+ hours.
Of course, like any strong performer, it could be better in the summer. It is no different here. A special occasion in the fall or winter is when this is perfect.
Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla
Everything on this list seems like a whole day’s paycheck for one scent. There has to be one fragrance for men that smells fantastic and is also affordable, right? Yes, Cremo Spice and Black Vanilla. Its most notable quality is its similarity to Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme but less intense and complex.
Starting off, the scent is a strong hit of cardamom. It is slightly peppery and may be off-putting but is quickly enveloped by warm vanilla. From here, vanilla lasts for hours and is the perfect balance between sweet and subdued.
As the scent develops, it gains powder and woods that add depth. Neither is ever prominent, but they are essential additions. Vanilla always dominated from the first few minutes to the end of the wear.
Spice and Black Vanilla is not the best performer or most versatile scent. However, for the price, you get a fantastic cold-weather wear for all occasions.
If you want to read more about amazing vanilla scents, check out my top 10 list.
Valentino Uomo Intense
Another steady eddy that is ideal when you want to impress. Uomo Intense is always classy, sexy, and sophisticated. It truly is a formal occasion cologne. The perfect winter fragrance for a gentleman.
Upon the first spray is a quick blast of tangy mandarin freshness. Now it is present but not necessary. It almost immediately gets overpowered by the dominant iris. The opening is all about the iris with a lipstick vibe. Clary sage does add a crisp, herbaceous boost to the opening.
Yet, it’s mild because the iris is so strong. It’s the type of iris found in 2011 Dior Homme Intense rather than Prada Colognes.
As the scent progresses from the mid to the dry-down, vanilla creeps in. It adds sweetness and warmth but never comes across as sugary. Not long after, leather fuses with vanilla, and the two are inseparable for the rest of the wear.
As the Uomo Intense finishes off, it is heavy, warm, and rich. All of these qualities amount to its ability to be so classy and sophisticated.
It is a simple scent, but it is show-stopping. On my skin, the performance is slightly above-average. It’s a unique fragrance that nearly no one will be wearing.
Gucci Intense Oud
Suppose you liked the idea of a beginner oud talked about earlier. Yet, like most of us, $250 for a fragrance doesn’t seem realistic. Well, Gucci Intense Oud is your saving grace. It’s bold but still wearable.
It is a very rich and powerful fragrance for a masculine man – the scent, not the man. These qualities can be divisive. However, I strongly advocate you wearing colognes that push boundaries.
Intense Oud, from start to finish, is a simple scent. The opening is gorgeous, consisting of sweet and fruity notes with undertones of Oud. The heart is led with smooth amber, and the base dries to masculine incense and woods. Like I said earlier, simple. Along with classic, wearable, and masculine.
For me, Intense Oud is a special occasion fragrance. It is suitable for all occasions, when and how you wear it is up to you. However, Intense Oud is limited to colder temperatures. The Oud is too intense in the summer and doesn’t fit the vibes.
Tom Ford Oud Wood
So, you need the best fragrances for men but also want it to be an easy-to-wear oud. There are plenty of oud colognes to choose from, but how about for beginners? Tom Ford Oud Wood is a perfect choice. Many ouds can get heavy and decisive. In this case, Oud Wood always stays well-blended and pleasant.
Just because it’s easy to wear doesn’t make it a bad fragrance. It made it on this list and can still compete with anything you throw at it.
Prevalent Oud leads the opening and goes for a smooth, woody quality. It is warm and spicy, making the darkness of the Oud smell inviting. Lingering in the background is spicy cardamom.
Oud stays consistently prevalent as the scent develops while woody accords gain strength. Spices always linger, adding an awakening quality. Once in the dry down, sweet vanilla smoothes over the heavy Oud and woods. For the rest of the wear, it’s an excellent balance between warm spices and masculine tones.
Let’s talk about performance.
Unfortunately, it is below average. The longevity with 4 sprays is 5 – 6 hours and has near intimate projection. Usually, warm temperatures help light projectors. However, with the darkness and density of Oud Wood, it doesn’t work, limiting it to a winter and fall scent.
If you’re looking for a more affordable beginner Oud fragrance. Versace Pour Homme Oud Noir provides a fantastic alternative.
Creed Aventus
I was trying to figure out the best niche fragrance. But I found it to be an easy choice. When in doubt, go with Creed Aventus. This really showcases the versatility and likability of this fantastic creation.
An aggressive burst of pineapple and bergamot leads the opening. Both ingredients are juicy and ultra-authentic. Nuances of other notes amplify the juiciness but aren’t identifiable. As the opening mystifies you, Aventus progresses into the dry-down.
Smoky birch and musk add to the vibrant fruits. Neither dominates the other but is an outstanding balance of freshness and woodiness. When you combine the musk and fruits together, it creates a sensual aroma.
Creed Aventus for men has above-average longevity and projection. It will push past an arm’s length for hours, but never overwhelming. As for the season and occasion, it is difficult to find the time when you can’t wear Aventus.
I have a full review of Creed Aventus if you want to learn more.
Creed Royal Oud
There is a pattern happening. This is the third oud fragrance on the list and is ultra-wearable. Creed Royal Oud is nearly the same price as Oud Wood and will be the better signature scent of the two.
Oud is in the name; it must be all about Oud, right? No. It’s there but subtle. The opening is a fleeting dose of citrus. The citruses almost immediately fade, and a heavy amount of woods and musk fill the void. The woody accords are dominant but don’t smell like a hunk of Oud. It’s relatively light and very wearable.
I recommend this as an excellent starter oud fragrance. As the scent finishes, it retains the pleasant oud note and has musky nuances.
As for performance, it is more of an occasional wear men’s cologne. Like all oud fragrances, it tends to get too heavy in high heat.
Guerlain Heritage EDT
There has been a bottle redesign, but this is still the same high-quality scent. In my collection, it has always been a steady eddy that is ready for any situation and performs well while doing so.
Heritage EDT opens with a mix of breezy lavender, a duo of citruses, and spice nuances. All are sitting on a light patchouli background. Yeah, this is a patchouli-focused fragrance, and it is prevalent right off the bat.
As the scent progresses, the spices intensify, and the mid gains a slightly powdery nature. Now, what also becomes more prominent is, you guessed it, patchouli. It brings a slight rose note and sandalwood undertone with it.
Now from this point, the patchouli virtually takes over. The warm sandalwood got more prevalent in the dry-down. Like everything else, it is just a supporting note to the dominant woody patchouli.
This fits into the gentlemen’s fragrance category. It is a long-laster but doesn’t project too heavily. The scent is definitely unique enough to be a signature scent. But just be careful when wearing it in the warmer months. It can often get too intense.
Xerjoff Nio
Let’s imagine that you can purchase any fragrance. However, the only requirement is to be the perfect summer scent. Which men’s cologne do you choose? My vote is Xerjoff Nio. It is an ultra-high-quality take on freshness. Bound to turn heads during the warmer months.
Nio is known for its hyper-realistic bergamot opening. It comes across as green and emphasizes a clean, fresh aroma. White florals add to the gorgeous bergamot with nuances of spice. They melt perfectly with the bright citruses, amplifying the freshness.
While the dry-down is decent, the smell is all about the citrus with green touches. As the scent develops, it stays consistently green and citrus until a soft, woody base. The woody notes are prevalent but not intense. They are the perfect intensity for a summer scent while still providing depth.
This is an expensive scent for limited versatility, but it is always worth a sample.
YSL L’Homme
L’Homme is the original of the L’Homme line, better than all its flankers. It was released in 2006 and has stood the test of time. It isn’t the best at anything, but it is good at everything. It is the easiest to wear on the list.
L’Homme is a gentleman’s fragrance. This means it has an inoffensive smell, is masculine, and doesn’t project too heavily. The most prominent notes are ginger, spices, and tonka bean.
The opening is fresh and citrusy, like a cool breeze on a warm day, with a delightful amount of lemon. Along with the lemon is ginger; it is not abrasive but unique. It breaks up the monotony of the lemon with an exciting kick. Into the base, L’Homme is warm and spicy; most of this aroma comes from tonka bean.
The performance is good enough to get through an entire workday. Yet, the smell won’t consume your coworkers. One of the better parts about is it’s all-occasion versatility.
L’Homme can be a blind buy. When you wear it, it will be discovered, not announced. I am confident you won’t be disappointed.
Rochas Moustache EDP
For all the bottle buff’s out there, you’ll be glad to read about this. It has a nice heavy bottle with the perfect amount of roundness to fit into the palm of your hand.
Upon the first spray is prominent benzoin and vanilla with soft and warm pink pepper. The pink pepper is particularly enjoyable because it has an uplifting nature. Yet it isn’t the type of pepper that makes you want to sneeze.
The scent depends on the vanilla and benzoin duo for most of the wear. The main idea of this combination is rich and warm vanilla. As the scent progresses, there are nuances of floral rose. Usually, rose nuances would be in a feminine perfume, but in this case, it creates a comforting aroma.
Into the dry-down, the vanilla becomes woodier and comes across as if it’s been barrel-aged. In the background is smoky incense, a unique touch to the unrivaled vanilla.
Rochas Moustache EDP is of outstanding quality for the price. It lacks performance and is not summer wear, but it does smell outstanding.
FAQs
What are the Most Popular Men’s Fragrances?
The most popular men’s fragrances are usually blue fragrances. These tend to be Dior Sauvage, Bleu de Chanel, And YSL Y EDP. These three will be your best choice if you want scents that do it all for nearly any situation. All three are outstanding colognes and would be an honorable mention for this list.
What is the #1 Men’s Colognes?
You won’t like this answer, but it’s honest. You have to find
