25 Best Colognes for Men in 2024
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The importance of men’s cologne can never be understated. We all have a friend who uses one squirt (or several) too many and leaves the room covered in a hazy smog. And then there’s the guy who uses a cologne that smells like something you’d wear at high school.
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Whether you’re on a first date, at a job interview or just passing a stranger on the sidewalk, that sublime sea salt or woody scent (or lack thereof) is one of the first things people notice about you. The type of cologne you wear can help you seal a second date or get the job.
The quest to find the optimal masculine scent is a personal journey that will ultimately depend on your preferences (and your budget). It will usher you through vaunted names like Yves Saint Laurent, Jo Malone, and Paco Rabanne—and other distinguished (if whimsical-sounding) brands like Tonka Bean, Pink Pepper, and Pour Homme. On the other hand, if you’re making do with a fragrance that requires a bunch of squirts to get the job done, chances are you’re using a bargain product that should probably be tossed in the trash.
Don’t get us wrong. We understand that not everyone has the money to spend on elite name-brand colognes. But the good news is, there are plenty of quality colognes at an affordable price tag. We’re here to help you on your cologne journey and have compiled a list of the 25 best colognes for men in 2023.
1. Atlantis by Blu Atlas is an aromatic, invigorating EDP that is here to change the narrative surrounding cleaner colognes. It’s true: many clean colognes either don’t smell great or don’t last as long as some of the designer brands. Blu Atlas is here to turn that trend on its head.
Using hand-picked premium ingredients, this powerhouse of a fragrance hits you with notes of bergamot, blackcurrant, clary sage, apricot, oak-moss, violet, and other scents blended together in perfect harmony. But this masculine fragrance isn’t transitory; when our team tested Atlantis, the scent lasted as long—if not longer—than its counterparts from famed perfume houses like Trudon, Creed, and MiN New York. This is highly impressive, considering that this Blu Atlas EDP doesn’t contain any phthalates, which you’ll often find in commercial fragrances.
Give the adventurer in you a scent he’ll be proud of, and pick up this eco-friendly Blu Atlas eau de parfum today.
[$100; bluatlas.com]
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2. Ralph Lauren Polo Black
In some cases, it’s better to stick with the classics, and the Polo Black cologne by Ralph Lauren is certainly a classic. This original cologne was introduced by Ralph Lauren in 2005, and it has been a hit ever since.
The cologne fuses hints of mango, patchouli noir, and silver armoise to create a fantastic smell that lasts throughout the day. Ralph Lauren himself recommends that the cologne be used by men for special occasions. The Polo Black cologne provides the perfect finishing touch for an intimate date or a formal gathering.
The Polo Black has a woodsy fragrance that perfectly combines nutmeg-infused espresso with spicy mango to create a fierce and seductive smell. This cologne comes packed in an ultra-modern black container that will match every gentleman’s hygiene collection. The high-end fragrance is listed at a reasonable price that most men will be able to afford. Polo Black by Ralph Lauren will make a great addition to your cologne collection.
[$84; amazon.com]
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3. Calvin Klein Defy
The Calvin Klein Defy cologne is one of the company’s newest men’s fragrances, and it does not disappoint. This cologne was designed for adventurous men who are not scared to test boundaries.
Defy has a bold and unmistakable scent that stays true to Calvin Klein’s traditions. This cologne achieves its original scent by pairing daring aromas that somehow fit together perfectly. The scent’s top note is accomplished by combining bergamot, cedar leaf, and mandarin oil. The middle note uses lavender, violet leaf, and sage clary, while the base note fuses vetiver oil, musk, and amber. These three key notes create a unique smell that you won’t find anywhere else.
Sparingly apply a bit of this cologne to your pulse points. Your day may consist of a lot of ups and downs, but the one thing that will stay consistent throughout is the power of Calvin Klein’s Defy cologne.
[From $70; calvinklein.us]
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4. Prada Luna Rossa Sport Cologne
Apparently, sport cologne is a thing. When we think of sports, we think of bodybuilders breaking a sweat at the gym or football players hyping each other up before a big game. Sport colognes are typically low-concentration colognes that come on strong and fade faster than traditional colognes. These fragrances are ideal for men who need something quick and strong, but that won’t leave their noses burning all day.
The Luna Rossa Sport cologne uses vanilla, lavender, juniper berries, and ginger to create a spicy-yet-sweet smell that defies all olfactory laws. The cologne is bottled in a package that includes the classic red Prada stripe, allowing you to enter an elite club that not many get to experience.
And unlike other colognes, which are best worn in certain seasons, this cologne can be used year-round without resulting in weird looks. The Luna Rossa Sport Cologne by Prada is a one-of-a-kind cologne that should only be used by men who like to stand out. This is why it earned its spot on our list of the best colognes for men in 2023.
[$84.50; walmart.com]
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5. Armani Beauty Acqua Di Gio
Acqua Di Gio is a cologne that’s been around since 1996. When a cologne has been successful for this many years, you know you can trust it. Armani Beauty created a cologne with a Mediterranean scent that will make you feel like you’re floating in crystal-clear water on a warm summer day. With its notes of Calabrian bergamot, green tangerine and neroli, this aquatic aroma will be extremely pleasing to your nose.
Armani Beauty chose a clear bottle that reflects the ocean feel that the brand is going for. The company recommends that you apply this cologne to the creases of your elbows and knees to create a longer-lasting scent. Avoid rubbing any areas to which you have applied the cologne, as you risk rubbing off the scent.
This cologne is made in France and has an everyday scent that is best used in warmer months. After several months of winter, Acqua Di Gio will awaken your senses and prepare you for spring. Acqua Di Gio by Armani Beauty is a warm scent that will make you smell extra fresh during the hottest days of summer.
[From $52; giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com]
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6. Claus Porto Musgo Real After-Shave Cologne
This recommendation may technically be an aftershave, but it also functions as a cologne. This product is infused with aloe extract that works to soothe your skin after a clean shave. It also includes witch hazel and echinacea extracts, which create a comforting scent that won’t irritate your skin.
Many men can relate to the stinging sensation they experience while applying cologne to their skin immediately after shaving. It’s not fun. This is why we recommend you include an aftershave that also works as a cologne to your skincare collection.
This cologne is best used during the winter or dryer months, as the addition of aloe works to moisturize and hydrate your skin. However, you can also use it in the summer, as the scent of aloe pairs well with other botanical scents. Claus Porto created a game-changing two-in-one product when they developed the Musgo Real After-Shave Cologne, and we’re confident you will agree once you’ve tried it.
[$75; clausporto.com]
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7. Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club
Maison Margiela has created a line of men’s cologne that replicates iconic spots men enjoy. Our favorite is the Replica Jazz Club cologne. The smell of this cologne will transport you far away into a lounge filled with soft jazz, choice cigars and mellow rum. This cologne has a strong woody spice with hints of pink pepper, tobacco leaf and rum. This expert cocktail of ingredients leaves you with a smooth smell that includes a vanilla finish.
The Replica Jazz Club is packaged in an unmistakable Maison Margiela bottle. The cologne bottle gives apothecary jar vibes with its typewriter font on a cotton label. Maison Margiela claims that the scent was inspired by old bar stools, fine-aged liquor and cracked cigar boxes. Escape to a relaxing atmosphere every time you use the Replica Jazz Club by Maison Margiela.
[$135; maisonmargiela-fragrances.us]
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8. Snif Ex on the Beach
Sometimes the pressure of choosing the perfect cologne can be overwhelming. There are so many choices and smells. The price tags are even worse. Colognes aren’t cheap, which means you want to make the right decision the first time. Snif understands this and has created a business plan that revolves around alleviating some of that pressure. Snif allows you to try sample sizes of their colognes before you buy them. If you decide you like a product, you can keep it and pay for it. If you hate it, you can send it back and not pay a thing.
One of the most beloved colognes offered by Snif is their Ex on the Beach fragrance. This all-natural product is free of synthetic dyes and includes a warm scent that lets you imagine you’re lying on the beach rather than on your couch. Infused with fig, ylang-ylang, orange blossom and cedarwood scents, this cologne is perfect for men who prefer a tropical scent over a woodsy scent. At the end of your seven-day trial, we’re pretty sure you’ll want to keep Snif’s Ex on the Beach cologne.
[$65; snif.co]
9. The Nue Co Forest Lungs Fragrance
Some outdoorsy men probably wish they could live in the woods all year round. Unfortunately, that isn’t realistic for most of us. But the good news is, we can all pretend we’re lumberjacks when we use the Forest Lungs Fragrance by the Nue Co. This company has formulated a cologne that replicates compounds often found in the forest called phytoncides, which are clinically proven to help reduce stress.
The best way to use this fragrance is by applying two sprays to your wrist and neck. Inhale the fragrant aroma for eight seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, and then exhale for another eight seconds. This miniature meditation session will leave you relaxed and ready to take on the most challenging of days. This cologne has hints of tart citrus, cedarwood, pine and bergamot that truly mimic a forest filled with the greenest trees. The Forest Lungs Fragrance by the Nue Co. is an ingenious invention that lumberjack-wannabes and everyday men should all try.
[$30; thenueco.com]
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10. 19-69 Rainbow Bar
The 19-69 Rainbow Bar was developed by Swedish creator Johan Bergelin, who set out to develop fragrances inspired by specific places in time. This particular scent was designed after the Sunset Strip on the west coast of the United States. The Sunset Strip was known for its nightlife and music scene that oozed an eccentric atmosphere adored by men and women alike. The 19-69 Rainbow Bar is designed to have a minimalistic vibe that only includes a few aromas, including bourbon, vetiver and bergamot.
To get your senses going, you only need to add a few sprays of this cologne to your pulse points. The smell will last you throughout the day. But we need to include a disclaimer: You might get overwhelmed with the number of people asking you where you bought your cologne. It seriously smells that good. Take a trip to the beaches of California and experience the west coast life no matter where you live with the 19-69 Rainbow Bar fragrance.
[186 .58; nineteen-sixtynine.com href=”https://nineteen-sixtynine.com/product/rainbow-bar-eau-de-parfum-100ml/” ]
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11. Tom Ford’s Bitter Peach Cologne
Most men’s colognes include a strong woodsy scent that many men like. But not everyone is a fan of the outdoors or hiking through a forest. Some men want to be transported to an orchard with rows and rows of fruit trees. If this sounds like you, you’ll likely enjoy Tom Ford’s Bitter Peach cologne. This fragrance captures the sweet aromas found in a peach and pairs them with the bitter taste of a blood orange. Tom Ford tames its cologne with a few drops of davana oil and leaves you with a sour and sweet fragrance.
Tom Ford’s cologne is made locally in the United States and uses key ingredients you likely won’t find anywhere else. Take, for example, the inclusion of labdanum absolute or Indonesian patchouli oil. Despite the exotic ingredients, you have our word that the Bitter Peach Cologne by Tom Ford will be a crowd-pleasing fragrance with a smell that cannot be replicated.
[from $216; saksfifthavenue.com href=”https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/tom-ford-bitter-peach-eau-de-parfum-0400013152584.html” ]
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12. Arquiste Misfit
If you’re more of a simple kind of man that likes to use the same fragrance all year round, we’ve found a great choice for you. Misfit by Arquiste is a cologne that mixes bold and dark scents with lighter botanical scents.
This ingenious combination creates a scent that complements you throughout winter and summer. Misfit uses a patchouli base, which is on the darker side of smells. It then adds notes of bergamot and lavender that work to lighten the strong base. Finally, tonka bean and balsam are added to round out the scents and create this one-of-a-kind cologne.
We can almost guarantee you that no one in your friend group will have this fragrance. But once your buddies get one whiff, they’ll be asking you for the brand name and might even show up the next day wearing it. Every man should have a signature scent that is worn by him and him alone. Make Misfit by Arquiste your new smell and watch as everyone around you is shocked by your originality.
[$205; fumerie.com]
L’Ombre dans L’Eau Cologne
Nordstrom
13. L’Ombre dans L’Eau Cologne
You don’t need to speak French to enjoy a rich fragrance that will leave even the pickiest of cologne snobs jealous. L’Ombre dans L’Eau is a men’s cologne that has a mouthful of a name and a delicious smell you won’t find anywhere else. This cologne has a Bulgarian rose floral scent with a hint of blackcurrant leaves to round out the smell. If you pay close enough attention, you may even notice traces of blackcurrant, mandarin and bergamot.
The founder of this cologne..
