25 Best smelling colognes for men of 2023

Your cologne is sort of like your signature. If you wear the same one often, people will start to associate the scent with you. And if you wear a pleasing fragrance, they’ll want to be around you, and they might even ask you about your cologne.

Choosing a fragrance that will make you feel confident can take time, and it can take a bit of trial and error. You might have to smell some samples to figure out which fragrances you prefer. Maybe you like those that feature refreshing and light citrus notes, or perhaps you prefer fragrances that are deeper and woodsy.

Once you start to look for a cologne—whether it’s your first one or you want to expand your collection of men’s fragrances—you’ll see that there are many options to choose from. They include both expensive fragrances from well-known designer brands and inexpensive options that can smell just as good. You can even find colognes that are made using natural or plant-based ingredients if that’s what you prefer.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Cologne

There are several things to keep in mind as you shop for the right cologne. Your budget, where you plan on wearing the fragrance, how often you plan on wearing it, and the size bottle you need all contribute to your decision.

Generally, you want to go with a cologne that lasts a long time after you apply it so you smell great all day. You also want something that isn’t so overpowering that it becomes difficult for other people to even be around you.

It’s important to remember that the same cologne can smell quite different on two different people. So, again, it might take some trial and error to figure out which colognes smell as good on you as they do on a sample paper. That’s right—a cologne might smell great when you smell it at a store, but you might discover that it isn’t as appealing once it’s on your skin. To see how a particular cologne will smell on you after you’ve worn it for a little while, you should spray some right onto your skin. That’s the best way to test it out if it will work for you.

Another thing that you should do is look at the fragrance notes that make up a cologne before you decide to buy it. These include top notes, heart notes, and base notes. If you already know the types of scents that you prefer, this can narrow down your options.

Finally, in addition to looking for colognes that are made specifically for men, you can certainly check the gender-neutral fragrances that are out there. This will expand your options so you have even more products to choose from.

Need Help Finding the Best Smelling Colognes?

There are plenty of fragrances for men that you can choose from. So, to help you out, we’ve compiled a list that features some of the best smelling colognes for men worth your attention. Continue reading to learn a bit about them. Then you can decide if you’d like to see if they are right for you.

1. Blu Atlas Atlantis

Without a doubt, Atlantis is the best smelling cologne for men in 2022. This eau de parfum comes from Blu Atlas, the premium skincare brand for men, and is suited for all types. Whether you need a fragrance for work or for play, Atlantis will leave you feeling confident in your own skin.This cologne belongs to the fresh and floral scent families, with notes such as bergamot, lemon, clary sage, lavender, violet, and oakmoss. It comes in an attractive black bottle with a magnetic cap that snaps right on. From its intoxicating scent to its stylish presentation, we can’t recommend it enough.

2. Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum

One of the most popular men’s fragrances is Sauvage from Dior. In fact, by now, you have probably come across at least one man who uses this fragrance regularly; whether he’s going to work or out on a date. The eau de parfum, in particular, is a great option when you don’t want to go with the parfum or the eau de toilette, and it features notes of bergamot and vanilla.

Once you smell this fragrance, you are sure to understand why so many men choose it as their go-to cologne, and it will become clear why it has maintained such a high level of popularity over several years. If you like this one, definitely check out the eau de toilette and the parfum as well, as they are slightly different and provide you with more variety.

3. Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Giò Eau de Toilette for Him

Giorgio Armani’s Acqua Di Giò is another fragrance that you can wear day or night, whether you are heading off for lunch with some friends or to a romantic dinner with a date. Fragrance notes include cedar, bergamot, and marine notes that blend beautifully together to create a fresh-smelling cologne that is citrusy and aquatic.

If you have been thinking about adding a laid-back scent to your collection, this should be on your radar. It is a popular classic, and it’s sure to please both the wearer and the people around.

4. Calvin Klein Defy

Calvin Klein is a brand known for a variety of men’s fragrances, so it should come as no surprise that we included it on this list of the best smelling colognes for men. Defy, in particular, is a good choice when you’re searching for a fresh scent that’s also a little woodsy.

Top notes include mandarin, bergamot, and cedar leaf oils, while mid notes include sage clary oil, lavender absolute, and violet leaf. The base notes include vetiver oil, along with musk and amber notes. This one is definitely worth a try.

5. Every Man Jack Cologne Sandalwood

Just because you want a great smelling cologne that turns heads doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money for it. Instead, check out much more affordable options, like this Sandalwood Cologne from Every Man Jack.

Described as woodsy and warm, it features notes of vetiver and sandalwood. It will keep you smelling fantastic for a while, so if you’re tired of using colognes that wear off too early in the day, this might be a good option to try.

At the same time, this isn’t an overpowering fragrance either, so you get a nice balance. If you like the scents of other Every Man Jack products like their sandalwood body wash, this cologne might be a perfect choice.

6. Ralph Lauren Ralph’s Club Eau de Parfum

Another popular brand in the world of men’s fragrances is Ralph Lauren, and one of their best products is the Ralph’s Club cologne. This is an eau de parfum that features notes of vetiver, Virginia cedarwood, clary sage, and lavandin.

The overall fragrance is woodsy, fresh, and warm. It can last for hours, so it is a good option to consider if you have been disappointed by how quickly other colognes fade after you apply them. Plus, this cologne comes in an attractive bottle with a sophisticated design that you can proudly display on your dresser. It’s stylish and modern, just like the fragrance itself.

7. Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum

Described as clean, woodsy, fresh, seductive, and bold, the Y Eau de Parfum from Yves Saint Laurent features notes of wood, sage, and geranium. Packaged in an attractive and masculine bottle, this might become your go-to fragrance to impress others by day and night.

If you like it, consider testing the parfum or the eau de toilette versions to see if you like them just as much. Overall, you are sure to feel a lot more confident once you put this on. You may be surprised by the compliments you get while you are wearing it.

8. Tommy Hilfiger Impact Men’s Fragrance

A lot of men choose Tommy Hilfiger fragrances because they smell amazing, but the one worth your consideration over all the others is Impact. This is an eau de toilette that features notes of bitter orange, red apple, pink peppercorn, cypress, clary sage, sandalwood, cedarwood, and Akigalawood. In other words, it is a combination of wood and citrus, blending together to create a bold, masculine scent that is hard to resist.

If this all sounds like the perfect fragrance for you, consider adding this cologne to your collection to have another option when you want to smell amazing all day.

9. Gucci Guilty Parfum Pour Homme

There is something truly special about buying a product from Gucci, and their Guilty Parfum Pour Homme is a great cologne if you want to stand out and turn heads.

The bottle itself is worth showing off because it is so stylish and masculine, but the fragrance is sure to please. Described as woodsy, it features notes of French Lavandin Abrialis, lemon sfumatrice, juniper, Spanish cistus, Indonesian patchouli, orange flower, and nutmeg. But describing it can only do so much, as this is something that you need to smell for yourself to understand just how incredible this cologne is.

10. Herban Cowboy Dusk Cologne

Want to try something a little different? Prefer products made with vegan ingredients? Then check out the Herban Cowboy Dusk Cologne. This is a vegan option that features essential oils, and it does not contain any phthalates or artificial colors either.

The notes of this fragrance include cedar leaf, sandalwood, and sage, so it is a wonderful option to consider for a classic and sophisticated scent that’s perfect for day or night. If you discover that you love this fragrance, you can also buy other products from this brand like their body wash or soap that feature the same scent.

11. Juniper Ridge Redwood Mist Cologne

The Redwood Mist Cologne from Juniper Ridge is great if you are looking for a gender-neutral fragrance that contains essential oils and organic ingredients. This scent features steam distilled essential oils and organic sugar cane alcohol. Fragrance notes include fresh rain and foggy forest, along with coastal air, so it is reminiscent of California’s Redwood forests.

With an attractive clear bottle, this is also an affordably priced cologne that adds a little something different to your collection, so it is certainly worth checking out, especially if you want to take a more natural approach when it comes to your fragrances.

12. Brickell Men’s Products Accolade Cologne for Men

Brickell Men’s Products is a sought-after brand for those who want to use skincare, body care, and hair care products that use natural and clean ingredients. Their Accolate Cologne is all-natural, and it does not include various unwanted ingredients like phthalates, parabens, or synthetic dyes.

It comes in an attractive black spray bottle, and it features notes of cedarwood, guaiac wood, and sandalwood, along with lemon and Italian bergamot. It is a superb combination of woody, smokey, and citrus scents. Warm and sophisticated yet refreshing, this cologne lasts a long time, so you won’t need to reapply it during the day. Definitely take a look at what it has to offer if you prefer using a fragrance that is more natural than others on the market.

13. HUGO Just Different Eau de Toilette

The Just Different Eau de Toilette from HUGO comes in an eye-catching black flask with red lettering, so it will stand out against the other bottles of cologne that you have at home.

This is a fabulous cologne to consider if you are looking for something that is a little different. There are a lot of colognes that are described as having woodsy and citrus scents, but this one boasts a mix of freesia, herbal basil, cashmeran, and cool mint. It is described as invigorating. Check it out for yourself if you think this combination of scents is what you have been searching for.

14. Theo & Amelia Drakensberg

The Drakensberg Cologne from Theo & Amelia is a fresh scent that features the right blend of citrus and wood. More specifically, it has notes of patchouli, Japanese grapefruit, cedar, bergamot, and peppermint.

It comes in a little bottle with a stainless steel applicator, so you can easily apply it to your skin if you don’t like spray bottles. Plus, it’s small enough to take with you on the go. But what makes this fragrance for men stand out from others is its natural base and lack of alcohol and phthalates. If you want to take a more natural approach when it comes to the colognes you wear, consider this brand.

15. Outlaw Blazing Saddles Western Cologne

The Blazing Saddles Western Cologne from Outlaw contains natural and artificial fragrances and organic alcohol, and it is cruelty-free. This is another one of the many colognes that are out there for those who prefer using products that contain natural ingredients. This is a bold fragrance with notes of sandalwood, gunpowder, sagebrush, and leather. Plus, this fragrance lasts a long time, so you can apply it once and enjoy it throughout the day, yet it won’t be overpowering.

16. Stetson Spirit Cologne

Stetson is another well-known brand when it comes to colognes for men, and their Spirit Cologne is worth checking out if you prefer earthy scents. The base notes are sandalwood, musks, warm amber, and Virginia cedar. Heart notes are cistus leaves, leather accord, clary sage, and wild lavender. Top notes are elemi, mandarin leaf, bergamot, and rhubarb. Plus, the attractive bottle gives it a sophisticated look that complements the masculine fragrance perfectly.

17. Proraso Cologne: Wood & Spice

The Wood & Spice Proraso Cologne is made in Italy, it is cruelty-free, and the majority of its ingredients are natural. Plus, it does not contain phthalates, parabens, artificial colors, and other unwanted ingredients.

This is a classic and warm scent—ideal for men who want a bold, masculine fragrance. Notes include cedar, rock rose, vanilla, cumin, and saffron. You can also use it with some of the many other grooming products available from this brand.

18. Gentlemen’s Hardware Barrel & Oak Natural Fragrance Cologne - Bourbon Cedar

The Gentlemen’s Hardware Barrel & Oak Natural Fragrance Cologne in Bourbon Cedar is a great fragrance to consider if you want a natural option that contains essential oils. Plus, this cologne does not contain unwanted ingredients like phthalates or parabens, and it lasts throughout the day so you may find that you do not need to use a lot of it. Notes include red cedar and vanilla, making this is a masculine fragrance that you’ll love the moment you smell it.

19. Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla Spray Cologne

Next on the list is the Spice & Black Vanilla Spray Cologne from Cremo—a brand that also sells a variety of products, such as beard oil, shave cream, body wash, and face wash. This eau de toilette is a fantastic combination of tobacco, spices, and woods. You can put this on and enjoy the fragrance all day, but you can also rest assured that it will not be overpowering. And it comes in an attractive bottle, yet it is affordably priced to suit all budgets.

20. The Art of Shaving Green Lavender Cologne

With notes of bergamot, orange, lavandin, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, tonka bean, moss, and cyprus, the Green Lavender Cologne from The Art of Shaving offers something unique. It blends tranquil scents with those that are fresh. A good choice for men who want to add a new fragrance to their collection, it is carefully crafted for a distinguished man. Whether or not you’re familiar with this brand and its products, consider giving this cologne a try to see if it suits you—and if it does, there are a few other fragrances that you can choose from, too.

21. American Crew Win Fragrance

Win is a bold cologne from American Crew that ensures you’ll smell amazing throughout the day or evening. The top notes in this fragrance include citrusy mandarin and bergamot along with nutmeg, giving the cologne a refreshing scent. The middle notes, on the other hand, include cinnamon along with cumin and carnation, providing more warmth.

The base notes include vetiver, amber, and patchouli for earthy scents that make this a perfect choice for men. Plus, this cologne is affordably priced, so you don’t need to break the bank to expand your collection of fragrances.

22. Estee Lauder Lauder for Men Cologne Spray

Lauder for Men from Estee Lauder comes in a sophisticated bottle and features a scent described as masculine, woodsy, and herbaceous. It has been around for years, so it’s a classic that you’ll want to add to your collection of fragrances.

What does it smell like? Well, the top notes include cardamom and coriander along with sage and the popular citrus scents of lemon and mandarin. The middle notes include patchouli and vetiver along with sandalwood. The base notes include amber and oakmoss. Overall, this could be your ideal fragrance to wear day and night when you want to put on something that will make you feel confident.

23. John Varvatos XX Indigo

The first thing that you’ll notice when you look at the John Varvatos XX Indigo is the bottle. But what’s important is how it smells, right?

Well, this fragrance for men can be worn during the day and night due to its perfect blend of scents. Notes include lemon, peppermint, Himalayan poppy, cardamom, baie rose, geranium, vetiver, musks, and patchouli. If you can’t imagine what all of these smell like together, get a sample of this cologne. It won’t disappoint.

24. Tommy Bahama Maritime Triumph Cologne

Another cologne for men with an impressive bottle is the Maritime Triumph Cologne from Tommy Bahama. The notes in this cologne include bergamot, violet leaves, pimento berries, nutmeg, cedar leaf, mandarin, cashmere woods, saffron, and patchouli. This can be described as a spicy and woodsy, masculine fragrance.

It is sure to grab people’s attention with its blend of ingredients, and you may find yourself feeling more confident whenever you wear it—whether it’s to the office or a romantic rendezvous.

25. Jack Black Blue Mark Eau de Parfum

Finally, there is the Jack Black brand, which makes a lot of products for men. Their Blue Mark Eau de Parfum is a good option if you want to buy a refreshing scent that you can wear every day. The top notes include watermint, bergamot, and cilantro, while the middle notes include ginger, Japanese juniper, and vetiver. The base notes include white woods and patchouli.

The striking blue bottle with its silver cap will look great on your dresser with your other colognes. It’s also worth noting that the products from this brand are cruelty-free as well as free of parabens and harsh sulfates.