The Sexiest Colognes For Men, According To BAZAAR Editors
These timeless scents smell great on everyone.
By Jamie Wilson - published
Did you know there is actually a technical difference between cologne and perfume? True cologne is lighter and contains less fragrance oils than a perfume, but in most cases, cologne is simply the gendered term used to refer to perfumes marketed toward men. The more you know!
If you're thinking of gifting a cologne—or simply buying one for yourself—there are a few things to keep in mind. In this list, we've rounded up some of the best colognes for men (or anyone!) packed with information like prominent notes, scent families, pros, and even customer reviews that can make it easier to narrow things down. Do you want to smell like an Armani guy like Regé-Jean Page or classic and unfussy like Joseph Quinn? Fragrance is a personal experience, so let the details and reviews below guide you to the perfect bottle.
Here, take a look at 18 of the best colognes before you click add to cart.
Related article: The 6 Best Chanel Perfumes, According To Experts
Shop the Best Colognes for Men
BEST FRESH WOODY SCENT
Sauvage Eau de Toilette
PROS
- Refillable Packaging
This bold, classic fragrance is a bestseller for a reason. Shaped by crisp bergamot, this scent dries down to an enticing woody fragrance.
| Size | 2.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Reggio Bergamot, Ambroxan, Elemi and Woods |
| Customer Review | "First time I smelled Dior Sauvage, I was hooked. It's such a strong masculine yet sexy fragrance. I now have all of the line including Elixir." -stephenc24 |
BEST WARM CITRUS SCENT
Elysium Parfum Cologne
This cologne exudes a sense of paradise which makes the name all the more fitting. The opening citrus blend is anchored by the warmth of vanilla and sensual leather.
| Size | 3.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Lemon, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lime, Thyme, Artemisia, Lily Of The Valley, Rose de Mai, Jasmin de Grasse, Apple, Blackcurrant, Galbanum, Pink Pepper, Cypriol, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Juniper Berry, Benzoin, Vanilla, Labdanum, Leather, Ambergris |
| Customer Review | Bought this as a Christmas gift for our almost 30yr old son. Hubby thought it was time he had a nicer cologne than that of the average 20something yr old. Our son loves it and so does his girlfriend. This is a man's cologne for sure! -D N. |
BEST SPLURGE
Haltane Eau de Parfum
PROS
- Long Lasting Scent
A balance of sophistication and freshness—with notes of lavender, clary sage, patchouli, musk, and leather—this scent makes a great gift.
| Size | 4.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Bergamot, Lavender, Clary Sage, Saffron, Cedarwood, Praline, Oudwood, Patchouli, Vetiver, Musk, Leather, Natural Agarwood |
| Customer Review | The best cologne I have ever purchased for my husband in 50 years of marriage! -TR |
BEST FRESH, GREEN SCENT
Mister Marvelous Eau de Parfum
This scent exudes confidence and while it has a sweet opening of mandarin, it dries down to spicy notes of black amber and white cedarwood.
| Size | 3.3 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Mandarin Leaves, Neroli, Bergamot, Bamboo, Lavender, Amber, Cedarwood |
| Customer Review | Smells great and lasts long time. -Snailtrail213 |
BEST WOODY, EARTHY SCENT
INFINITOUD
This fragrance perfectly bottles the earthy woodiness of an oud without the intensity that can sometimes turn people off. It's a fun, sexy scent that lasts all day.
| Size | 75 mL |
|---|---|
| Notes | Myrrh, Vetiver, Peyote, Black Pepper, Cedar wood, Patchouli, Oud, Incense, Gurjun Balsam |
BEST SWEET WOODY SCENT
ESTABLISHED COGNAC 66
This masculine scent is sweet (apple), spicy (patchouli), and woody (oak) with a sophisticated boldness.
| Size | 100 mL |
|---|---|
| Notes | Apple, Cedar Wood, Cognac, Oak, Patchouli |
MOST VERSATILE
Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum Spray
PROS
- Best-Selling
This fresh, woody blend works for any occasion. It's captivating and sensual without being too overpowering.
| Size | 3.4 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Citrus Accord, Labdanum, Sandalwood Cedar |
| Customer Review | Versatile, just the perfect male scent for any occasion. Smells wonderful. Fresh, woody blend. -Vernon |
BEST WOODY, CITRUS SCENT
Y Eau de Parfum
PROS
- Great for Every Day
As soon as you spray this on, the compliments are sure to come flooding in. Apple sharpens the top notes of bergamot, ginger, and sage while vetiver anchors it all.
| Size | 3.3 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Apple, Sage, Vetiver |
| Customer Review | This smells so good! Definitely a favorite on my husband! -Rita |
BEST EARTHY, WOODY COLOGNE
Oud Wood Eau de Parfum
PROS
- Sensual Scent
Inspired by incense-filled temples, this cologne includes notes of rare oud wood and Chinese pepper.
| Size | 3.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Rare oud wood, Sandalwood, Chinese pepper |
| Customer Review | Oud Wood smells so good, I could cry. It is the perfect scent. -lilyroseb |
REFRESHING SCENT
Dylan Blue Pour Homme
PROS
- Under $100
Escape to the blue seas of the Mediterranean with notes of bergamot and grapefruit. Although this is a strong masculine fragrance, Dylan Blue is still quite refreshing.
| Size | 100 mL |
|---|---|
| Notes | Ambrox, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Black Pepper, Papyrus wood, Incense, Mineral musk, Tonka beans, Saffron |
BEST LAYERING SCENT
Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense
PROS
- Long Lasting
A cut of floral freshness is infused in this Cologne Intense to add depth to the otherwise rich and warm scent.
| Size | 1.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Lavender, Omumbiri myrrh, Tonka bean |
| Customer Review | I am so surprised there are no reviews on this cologne since I purchased it back in April 2022. The smell is intensive and wonderful and last on me for 5 to 6 hours. I’m so glad for this purchase. It has a very mild but yet demanding sweet smell. When I walk in a room even if I don’t overspray I’m ask “what is that scent you have on?” and I always answer Myrrh Tonka cologne intense by Joe Malone. -PatCarey |
BEST CITRUS FORWARD SCENT
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
PROS
- For All Genders
If you're looking for fresh, clean and elegant this is the scent to pick up. Citrus like yuzu and mandarin complement spices and wood for a clean scent that all genders love.
| Size | 4.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Mandarin, Yuzu, Verbena, Cypress wood, Coriander, Sage, Geranium, Blue waterlily, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Saffron,Sandalwood, Vetiver, Amber, Musk, Tobacco |
| Customer Review | I love this scent on my husband, but I love wearing it too! I think it's the tangerine and yuzu notes that help it be unisex. It smells yummy and sophisticated at the same time. -AddictedToQuality |
BEST EARTHY SCENT
Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
PROS
- Under $150
Gernaium, vetiver, and sandalwood are the notes behind this Earthy, easy-to-wear eau de toilette.
| Size | 3.4 oz. |
|---|---|
| Notes | Geranium, Vetiver, and Sandalwood. |
BEST CHYPRE
Gris Dior
PROS
- Smells Great Alone or Layered
The best thing about this scent is that smells great on everyone. This chypre sits close to the skin and makes a great signature fragrance that can be layered and mixed.
| Size | 1.35 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Chypre with floral and woody accents |
| Customer Review | Very intoxicating scent. Very unique and airy. Perfect signature scent. -Scent collector Oklahoma |
BEST SPICY WOODY FLORAL
Reflection Man Eau de Parfum
PROS
- Timeless
Made for the Sultans of Oman, Amouage scents are truly regal. Reflection for Man embodies a sense of timelessness with notes of rosemary, jasmine, patchouli, and woods.
| Size | 3.3 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Rosemary, Red pepper Berries, Bitter orange leaves, Neroli, Orris, Jasmine, Ylang-ylang Vetiver, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cedarwood |
BEST WOODY BLEND
ARMANI CODE PARFUM
PROS
- Refillable
Tonka bean is surrounded by fresh iris and bergamot to create an irresistible fragrance that's great to wear all year long.
| Size | 2.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Tonka Bean, Iris, Sage, and Bergamot |
| Customer Review | This is a unique fragrance but still has hints of original Code DNA. Very soft Iris. You can wear this year round. Incredibly versatile. -Xavi |
BEST ROSE SCENT
L'Homme À la Rose Eau de Parfum
PROS
- Light Floral
This eau de parfum from Maison Francis Kurkdjian proves that a bright rose scent combined with fruity and woody notes is the perfect gender neutral floral.
| Size | 2.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Grapefruit accord, Damascena rose oil, Amber woody accord, sage oil, Centifolia rose absolute, Cistus labdanum oil |
| Customer Review | "Obsessed with this scent! I first came across it in Bergdorfs in NYC a few weeks ago and decided I had to have it when I got back to Texas! It’s my new go to!" -dwb90 |
WOODY, AROMATIC
K Eau de Toilette
PROS
- Light and Citrusy
Made for the "contemporary man," K by Dolce & Gabbana is sparkling and aromatic—and perfect if the receiver's name starts with a K.
| Size | 5 oz |
|---|---|
| Notes | Chili pepper, French lavender, Haitian vetiver |
| Customer Review | "I love this cologne: It is strong at first but it simmers down.I bought it for my husband." -Jossee |
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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.