10 Best perfumes for men in 2023

New year new you, which means it’s time to upgrade your signature scent. Having trouble wading your way through the hundreds of colognes out there? Start with this list of the best perfumes for men in 2023.

How to Find Your Signature Scent

A signature scent is a cologne that you can turn to every day, rain or shine. Once you wear it enough, the people around you begin to recognize you by how you smell--it becomes part of your identity. Basically, it’s a big decision, so here are some tips to help you make it:

• Start With the Classics. One way to set up your foray into the fragrance world is to start with the classics. Find the colognes, like some on this list, that are widely acclaimed and beloved by men all over the world. Spend some time in these scents and you’ll start to understand what you like and what you don’t, making it easier to find a cologne all your own.

• Figure Out What Notes You Like. In the same vein, you’ll want to figure out what scent notes you enjoy the most. Are you a woods guy who wants a fresh breath of pine throughout the day? Or are you a fan of the gourmand scents that sweeten any occasion? Find a fragrance family that you like the best and search for new scents in that family.

• Avoid Trends. Every once in a while, cologne fads take over the scene and suddenly it seems like everyone smells like cannabis, or some other trendy scent profile. While there’s nothing wrong with picking up a bottle of popular cologne, the reality of trends is that they’re fleeting, and at some point that cologne will go out of style. When it comes to your signature scent, you want something timeless that will wear well even years down the line.

• Know How You Want to Feel When You Wear It. You should also search for colognes by the way they make you feel. Maybe you want a classic scent that reminds you of simpler times, or a citrus-forward blend of notes that wakes you up when you get lethargic. Choose a feeling you want your cologne to evoke and then look for scents that do just that.

• Test it Out. Most department stores offer test strips, and most cologne brands will provide sample sizes so you can try their products out. Giving yourself some time to play with layering, see how much you need to spray to get the desired effect, or just to discover how the cologne makes you feel. So pick up testers of some scents you’d like to try and give yourself a few days with each.

• Pick Your Longevity and Sillage Wisely. If you’re hoping for a fragrance you can wear casually to work without making your coworkers pass out from the fumes, you probably will want to skip a highly concentrated scent with enormous sillage. Think about how long you’d like the cologne to last on average and how big of a projection and scent trail you’d like and choose your signature scent accordingly.

1. Blu Atlas Atlantis

The Scent: Think Balinese jungle--buzzing with life with an uplifting breath of fresh air, a hint of sweetness, and a touch of the coastal breeze. This might be the best perfume for men that taps into your inner wanderlust, activating your sense of adventure. You’ll feel like you’re making the most of every moment when wearing this scent, regardless of whether you’re on the road or sitting at your desk.

The top features an expertly blended mix of lemon, bergamot, and black currant for an instant adrenaline rush, followed by a fresh heart of clary sage, peach, and apricot with lavender. You get a deeply sensual effect at the base thanks to orris, oakmoss, musk, violet, and ambrette seed. The result is the irresistible pull of unexpected adventure…

The Brand: Blu Atlas is a relatively new men’s grooming brand that has quickly made a big splash thanks to straightforward formulas, premium ingredients, and the fantastic smell of Atlantis. The New York City-based brand has quickly become a cult favorite. We’re excited to see what else this promising brand has up their sleeve!

The Reviews: Blu Atlas Atlantis boasts dozens of five-star reviews, so it’s no surprise we’ve named it the top men’s cologne for 2023. One fan titles his review “what a king should smell like,” while another self-proclaimed perfume connoisseur names it “one of the most unique fragrances now in my collection.” Reviewers use words like “iconic” and “timeless” to describe this favorite scent, and one even brags that this lasts longer than Creed Aventus.

Pairings: Blu Atlas Atlantis pairs best with off-the-beaten-path excursions, especially in the summertime. It’s a versatile fragrance that goes well with all occasions, seasons, and outfits. Wear Atlantis when you want the world to present you with endless opportunities…

2. Aesop Eidesis

The Scent: Aesop’s Eidesis is the quintessential woodsy warm spicy fragrance, creating a blissful aromatic experience you’ll want to return to again and again. This earthy fragrance has a meditative quality, which lulls you into a more peaceful state of mind. It does so with a head of black pepper, petitgrain, and earthy olibanum. Then, the heart shines through with more olibanum for a kick of spice, along with cedar and cumin. Sandalwood, cedar, and vetiver form the base. The repeating notes are tied throughout the fragrance artistically, making for a wonderful experience from start to finish.

The Brand: Aesop is a brand you can count on for attention to detail, and no stone goes unturned. The brand creates premium skincare products that allow you to treat yourself to a luscious grooming experience that helps you look and feel your best. Thanks to this approach, it’s gained quite a few followers over the years and now is an industry leader and trendsetter. The brand dates back to 1987 and has its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.

The Reviews: Users rave about Aesop Eidesis, with one calling it “fresh with sophistication.” Another reviewer says “LOVE it… You will have people asking you what fragrance you’re wearing.” Many note how the resinous amber notes complement the woods and spice notes, making for a fragrance that warms you from the inside out. They also tout the fragrance’s longevity, claiming it lasts more than eight hours.

Pairings: You’ll want this cologne on your shelf for the autumn and winter, when you’re craving a fresh forest breath with some warmth and a hint of smoke to it. A great fragrance for work or dinner with friends.

3. Costume National Scent Intense

The Scent: Scent Intense is absolutely enchanting, with the ability to put you in a trance after just a whiff. An air of mystery about the fragrance adds to its effect, which is overall polished yet sensual. Upon first spray you’re greeted with tea and bergamot, which then give way to a magnetic heart of jasmine, rose, and hibiscus. Amber, sandalwood, vanilla, patchouli, and leather form the base, solidifying this cologne’s place as one of the best perfumes for men in 2023.

The Brand: Costume National has been around for more than two decades, creating modern high-end fashion and quality scents. The brand exhibits an Italian sense of style with a Japanese flair, and its fragrances combine the best raw materials with some serious know-how. Costume National’s scents represent art and beauty, and are a great addition to any collection.

The Reviews: Men who have tried Scent Intense praise the fragrance for its boldness and say it’s the kind of fragrance you can instantly fall in love with. One reviewer says, “Even though I think it would work in most situations (even the office), Scent Intense makes me think of fancy things, like limousine rides and deluxe hotel suites. Love this stuff.” Another calls it a must-have.

Pairings: Although this fragrance could be adapted to any number of occasions, it comes out on top in cold weather. Turn to Scent Intense for the best results in spring, fall, and winter.

4. Bleu de Chanel

The Scent: Bleu de Chanel is a modern gentleman’s fragrance, giving off a bourgeois vibe that’s paired with an energizing quality for a dynamic scent. This fan-favorite begins with grapefruit, lemon, mint, and pepper that invigorates, followed by ginger, nutmeg, iso e super, and jasmine for an alluring heart. Its base notes are classically masculine: musk, vetiver, cedar, sandalwood, patchouli, and labdanum.

The Brand: Chanel needs no introduction--it’s one of the best-known French fashion houses, recognized for its classic, understated chicness. Chanel is best known as a perfumery for amber fragrances, although their most recent scents typically feature lots of citrus.

The Reviews: This cologne has seen a steady climb in popularity since its release, and the reviews reflect this. One enthusiastic reviewer calls Bleu de Chanel “without a doubt one of my favorite fragrances of all time.” Another calls it “refined” and “versatile,” which is echoed in dozens of positive reviews. As far as how it makes users feel, one claims it “keeps the mood fun and exciting.”

Pairings: Make Bleu de Chanel a top choice when picking a fragrance for spring and summer. Its freshness matches warm weather well, although you could get away with wearing it during the autumn, too. Wear this fragrance to the office, to casual events, or even when spending time with your special someone.

5. Creed Aventus

The Scent: Since its release in 2010, Creed Aventus has become a perfume icon, spawning all kinds of knock-offs. Creed has bottled achievement with Aventus, creating a scent that makes you feel like a winner as soon as you apply it. This effect is thanks to top notes of pineapple, bergamot, black currant, and apple, which then fade to let birch, patchouli, jasmine, and rose to come through. Then, musk, oakmoss, amber, and vanilla greet you at the base. This fragrance is popular for a reason, so don’t discount it before you sample it!

The Brand: The House of Creed has impressive origins--the story of the brand’s creation dates back to 1760 in the era of King George II. Royals from both England and France have worn Creed fragrances over the years! The brand gives the whole process of perfume creation the attention it deserves, and now strives to work sustainably, with initiatives that benefit the environment. Like the brand’s partnership with One Tree Planted or Creed’s attempts to reduce waste.

The Reviews: User after user regales readers with astonishing tales of this cologne’s longevity. One reviewer is so convinced of this cologne’s performance that they claim “I am sure that even in 2050 people will buy and speak about the batches of this perfume.” Another reveals “I have tried to find something I like just as much as this fragrance but this fragrance just does it all.”

Pairings: Creed Aventus is a beloved special event fragrance and a favorite for weddings. It pairs best with warm weather, so bring it out when you want to put your best foot forward on a hot summer night.

6. Calvin Klein CK Everyone

The Scent: CK Everyone does not discriminate--anyone can smell fantastic in this cologne! The vegan scent provides a pick-me-up you’ll keep in your back pocket for whenever you need it. The top of orange and ginger gets you off to an almost oriental start, then an aquatic accord mingles with tea at the fragrance’s core and base notes of musk, cedar, amber, and patchouli resound. The effect is one not to be missed!

The Brand: Calvin Klein is a noted American fashion brand that creates universally appealing fragrances, like Everyone’s sibling fragrance CK One. The brand is known for its minimalistic approach to fashion, providing classic pieces that allow you to style up with your own personal touches. The result is adored scents like this one that anyone can make their own.

The Reviews: Users love this fragrance so much they often recommend purchasing the larger size to get more mileage out of the scent. One reviewer describes it as “[capturing] nostalgia, but with a more mature, citrus-forward scent that grows spicier as I wear it.” Another reviewer calls it “a light-hearted spritz of joy” and another describes it as “dreamy.”

Pairings: Because CK Everyone sets the stage for you to do your own thing, pair it with any occasion you desire! By itself the cologne is somewhat casual and best suited for days at the office or out with friends. It’s definitely a warm weather fragrance as well.

7. L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme

The Scent: This best perfume for men in 2023 is like the joy of freedom in a bottle. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the packaging--this fragrance is complex and nuanced and offers a unique form of self-expression. It does so with citrus notes mixed with cypress, coriander, tarragon, and sage. Then the middle features blue lotus, nutmeg, saffron, lily-of-the-valley, cinnamon, and ambrosial mignonette. The base is an almost smoky blend of musk, vetiver, tobacco, sandalwood, and amber.

The Brand: Issey Miyake is a brand known for shattering boundaries between Eastern and Western culture when it comes to fashion. The brand’s first fragrance debuted in 1992 and has seen much success in the perfume world since. Issey Miyake fragrances continue to dominate, helping wearers find their true expression.

The Reviews: It’s five-star ratings across the board for L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme, which users call a great value for the money. One fan calls it “truly a classic,” while another claims “Issey Miyake is in a class all by itself.” Even one reviewer asks “Looking for a scent to drive all the women out there absolutely bonkers? Look no further, fellas.”

Pairings: Since this fragrance has a cooling effect, it reaches its peak during the warmer months of the year. If you live in a hot and humid place year-round, even better! Thanks to its boost of freshness, L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme can liven up any occasion.

8. Tom Ford Noir Extreme

The Scent: Tom Ford Noir Extreme really does display an intensity, so stay away from it first thing in the morning, especially before work. Think of it, instead, as a go-to for long nights of celebration or fun when you need a scent that can keep up. After all, its longevity is almost unparalleled! The scent opens with notes of cardamom, saffron, mandarin, and neroli, which melt away to let sweet kulfi, rose, orange blossom, and jasmine through. It’s the notes of vanilla, amber, and woods that last all night long.

The Brand: Tom Ford is a favorite brand among celebrities who proudly sport the brands classic and well-tailored pieces. Tom Ford has become a favorite in recent years as a fragrance house with big hits like Tobacco Vanille or Oud Wood. While those colognes are all fantastic choices, we think that Noir Extreme is due for a year on top.

The Reviews: Noir Extreme wearers call this cologne “decadent,” and many claim it lasts longer than eight hours. Reviewers also have called the fragrance “warm and cozy,” with some even going as far as to call it “dessert-like.” If you’re looking for a gourmand scent for date night, opt for Noir Extreme, as one user labels it “dark and sensual.” Sign us up!

Pairings: Keep this in your closet during the summertime or any warm days, when the sweetness of the fragrance will feel too heavy. Instead, spritz it on those dark winter nights when all you want to do is pull your loved ones close. Rely on it for dates and nights out on the town, and you won’t be disappointed.

9. Byredo’s Rose of No Man’s Land

The Scent: A blend of floral and berry notes may not sound super manly, but trust us when we say this is one of the best perfumes for men in 2023. It’s fresh, fun, and exciting, with a brightness that will sure to put some pep in your step. Rose of No Man’s Land starts out with red rose and pink pepper, which leads to a heart of even more rose and some raspberry, then the base offers up papyrus and amber for a strong finish.

The Brand: Byredo is a Europe-based luxury brand that believes in creativity-derived timelessness. Ben Gorham, a Swedish-born perfumer with a unique sense of personal style, started the brand. Now, Byredo creates all kinds of iconic fragrances like Gypsy Water and Mister Marvelous.

The Reviews: One of the more poetic reviews of Rose of No Man’s Land says that this fragrance feels like “rose after the rain.” Another says “this is my dream rose.” While many reviewers argue that this fragrance works well on both men and women, men in particular find it appealing, with one calling it “smashing… This is a breath of fresh air--and boy is it uplifting.”

Pairings: Rose of No Man’s Land is subtle, so it’s great for those who want an inspiring fragrance that won’t turn anyone off. Pairing this fragrance with springtime is a match made in heaven, whether you’re curling up on the couch or headed out and about.

10. Diptyque Philosykos

The Scent: Philosykos is one of the most endlessly interesting fragrances on the market, with the power to transport you to a zen-like nature scene in your mind. It suggests an expansive view, and perhaps a large fig tree that provides respite from the sun. Relaxed yet? You will be! The scent opens with fig leaf and fig fruit, followed by coconut mixed with sumptuous green notes. At the base, fig tree mixes with woods for a final whiff of earth.

The Brand: Diptyque is a company that has turned fragrance making into an artform. Every part of the brand’s identity is incredibly detailed, from the name and font to the label and the scents themselves. The brand’s fragrances are olfactory journeys, taking you from your current reality and transplanting you into a foreign world that you hold within.

The Reviews: Philosykos encompasses multiple realities--or at least that’s what one user believes, “Philosykos is nostalgia in a bottle along with all the things to come in the future.” Other reviews talk about how the fragrance makes the wearer feel, with one claiming “I’ve been giddy all day. It just makes you happy.” Says another reviewer, “Uplifting, evocative of memories and undeniably elegant and top notch quality.”

Pairings: Whenever you want to invite a little bit of whimsy into your life, turn to this fragrance. It’s a great spring and summer choice, when you want a green fragrance to match the verdant landscape. Think of this fragrance as an escape to the Greek countryside!

Found your next favorite perfume? Wear it well all 2023-long!