Is there a particular brand of cologne that draws more attention to the wearer than others?
Out of all the options out there, what is considered to be the best men’s cologne?
The answers to these questions are contingent on many aspects.
Through an integration of style and science, we’ve assessed a variety of men’s fragrances. Our findings have left us with the following recommendations.
We stand by our claims, and our research is supported by industry professionals.
Let’s understand some fundamentals about men’s fragrances before we go any further.
- Sillage: the measurement of a lingering fragrance in the air when applied.
- Cologne (eau du cologne): a term that describes masculine aromas. Such sprays are generally comprised of between 2 to 4% perfume oils dissolved in water and alcohol. Cologne tends to last for approximately 120 minutes.
- EDT (eau de toilette): a light concoction of between 5 and 15% pure perfume that is alcohol-dissolved. EDT generally lasts for about 180 minutes.
- Parfum: the most costly and concentrated fragrance of them all. Parfum’s aroma is comprised of between 20 and 30% pure-perfume. One application is capable of lasting for a full day.
Three of the Best Colognes for Men
#1: Givenchy Pi Neo
A fragrance that costs 50% less than Armani Code while lasting two times longer. The summer-like aroma contains a hint of licorice (anise), giving the cologne a special (but complex) distinction.
Whether you’re wearing Pi Neo for casual or formal reasons, the cologne is best worn with warm weather attire.
Buy "Givenchy Pi Neo" on Amazon#2: Intense Light Blue from Dolce & Gabbana
More often than not, when a brand uses the word “intense” to describe a new variation of an existing fragrance, the outcome leaves something to be desired. However, Intense Light Blue lives up to expectations. It’s a modern take on a traditional cologne.
Intense Light Blue has an assortment of scents – fruit, water, and even a hint of pepper. The cologne makes the wearer feel more confident and cool. The masculine aroma is best paired with formal attire.
Buy "Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense" on Amazon#3: Tom Ford Tobacco Oud
Although women like the scent of this cologne, people with sensitive noses find it a bit strong. It might be too bold for the occasion you’re wearing it for. With that said, if you have the ability to confidently wear Tobacco Oud, you should go for it.
This cologne has a distinctive masculine aroma. The wood-like perfume, Oud, originates from Saudi Arabia. The flavor is dominant and assertive. For the unapologetic, this might be the perfect cologne.
It is worth noting that this fragrance is much more pleasant to smell when it’s airborne (as opposed to directly on someone). If your goal is to attract attention, you can go wrong with Tobacco Oud. For those who prefer subtlety, stay away from this option.
Buy "Tom Ford Tobacco Oud" on AmazonHonorable Mentions: Coach for Men and Creed Aventus
On average, the ratio of males to females who comment on someone’s cologne is about 3 to 1.
The cologne commented on by men the most is Creed Aventus, as the scent has an alpha male feel to it.
There is no single cologne that all women are fond of, but Coach for Men is cited as first date-friendly. The fragrance is quite clean and appeals to just about everyone. With that said, wearing this cologne will not call any attention to you since it is commonly used.
If a fragrance is familiar to a woman, she won’t be drawn to those who wear it. Scent is an integral aspect of the way we develop memories of those we meet. To make your first impression memorable, wear a cologne without mass-appeal.
The 10 Best Colognes for Men
We tested out a vast array of colognes and have chosen ten that stand out. The ladies love these aromas, and so will you!
#10: It’s a three-way tie!
- The One – Dolce & Gabanna (Eau de Toilette)
- Jean-Paul Gaultier – Le Male (EDT)
- Paco Rabanne – 1 Million (EDT)
Women are fond of these colognes, and the scent will attract many compliments. These three options are also easily recognizable because so many people wear them.
The One is a traditional men’s fragrance containing ginger, tobacco, and amber notes. Its masculine and potent aroma will last for a long time. The One tends to get more compliments than most other colognes.
Le Male integrates lavender with vanilla, producing an aroma that makes women fawn over the wearer.
The 1 Million gold bar model from Paco Rabanne dispenses an integration of citrus, mint, blood mandarin, grapefruit, and warm cinnamon. It also has a touch of masculine leather and Indian patchouli.
While the above three colognes won’t single you out, they will impress women in spite of their omnipresence.
When you’re going out for a night on the town, these colognes are ideal, particularly if the place you’re going to is an outdoor setting (due to their strong sillage content).
#9: La Nuit de L’Homme – Yves Saint Laurent (Eau de Toilette)
An opposing integration of Cardamom, cedar, lavender, and bergamot. The vetiver and cumin ingredients offer a sensual base that’ll make women curious about where this intriguing aroma is coming from.
This cologne should not be worn for events that last all day. It is most suitable for evenings out.
If this was 2011, we would have made this cologne the #1 choice. However, the version that is available today has lackluster performance based on the reformulation of ingredients.
You’ll need to re-spray La Nuit de L’Homme every 2 hours or so because of the inferior sillage count. With that said, this cologne does belong in our top ten, and remains a very popular choice for men.
Buy "La Nuit De L’Homme – Yves Saint Laurent" on Amazon#8: Salvatore Ferragamo – F by Ferragamo Black (EDT)
As far as men’s fragrances go, Salvatore Ferragamo is a bestseller.
The aroma is not distinctive. It starts with a citrus-like smell before transitioning into a fragrance that rivals La Nuit de L’Homme.
The most prominent notes of the cologne are the tonka bean and lavender. A fair amount of sillage stops this fragrance from irritating people who have sensitive noses. Impressively, the cologne is capable of lasting between 5 and 6 hours!
This inexpensive fragrance for men is suitable for a nightclub, a date, and even the office.
Buy "Salvatore Ferragamo – F by Ferragamo Black" on Amazon#7: Versace Pour Homme – Versace (Eau de Toilette)
If you are partial to fresh aromas, you’ll love this citrus fragrance, which can be worn all year long during the daytime.
Prominent notes of this cologne include rose de Mai, bergamot, neroli, and lemon. Secondary notes include geranium, cedar, clary sage, and hyacinth. Base notes include amber, musk, and tonka bean.
The cologne can be worn at work, or if you’re running around town. Though it’s not overwhelming, this cologne will make heads turn as people walk by you (and vice versa).
Buy "Versace Pour Homme" on Amazon#6: Bleu De Chanel – Chanel (Eau de Toilette)
This cologne stops all women in their tracks.
Bleu de Chanel has a wood-like aroma and contains a combination of citrus notes. The result is an alluring and cosmopolitan fragrance. It produces a fiery ambiance throughout the day.
This Is an everyday cologne. The grapefruit scent instills a sense of freshness, but the incense might be too intense for some people. The fragrance will last for a full work day. No one will be overwhelmed with the fragrance due to its mild sillage content.
Buy "Bleu De Chanel" on Amazon#5: Thierry Mugler – A*Men Pure Malt (EDT)
This is a fragrance that is often complimented on because of its one-of-a-kind aroma.
The Thierry Mugler has an original scent. The process used to produce this cologne was inspired by old-school approaches of whiskey making, of all things!
Caskets made of oak are used to age the fragrance. When applied, a hazy smell is emitted. It leaves behind airborne elements that are woody, fiery, sweet, and malty. This cologne is not overwhelming for those around you. Instead, it allows the wearer to make an inviting (but subtle) first impression.
No one else will smell like you since the fragrance is uncommon, which will single you out as someone worth talking to.
The Thierry Mugler comes recommended. It is flexible enough to be worn for all types of occasions, though it is best suited to be worn during cooler seasons and at nighttime.
Buy "Thierry Mugler – A*Men Pure Malt" on Amazon#4: Versace Eros – Versace (Eau de Toilette)
A sense of desire and passion is instilled by this cologne, living up to its name. This fragrance is inspired by the Greek God of Love, Eros. This cologne is an alternative to the company’s Pour Homme product, marketed as captivating and erotic.
Prominent notes of the Versace Eros are tonka, mint, and vanilla, creating a masculine (but sweet) aroma. It is a cologne that is often complimented on when applied, and can be worn in any season, night or day.
Lasting for hours, the mild sillage content makes the Eros suitable for social encounters, particularly during intimacy with another person.
Buy "Versace Eros" on Amazon#3: Dior Sauvage (Eau de Toilette)
Women have taken quite a liking to this fragrance, which many people have compared to the smell of fresh laundry. Seriously. Some men have claimed that their frequency of sexual intimacy has increased after wearing this cologne.
Dior Sauvage lasts all day and is best worn in the summertime.
The most potent notes of this cologne are bergamot, pepper, and ambroxan, all of which emit the smell of freshness throughout the day.
Buy "Dior Sauvage" on Amazon#2: Aqua Di Gio Profumo – Giorgio Armani (Eau de Parfum)
When the best men’s cologne gets an upgrade, high expectations are set. Armani did not disappoint here – the Aqua Di Gio Profumo lasts longer than its predecessor and contains a hint of incense.
The aroma is on par with the original version. It can be worn in the autumn, summer, and spring seasons, night or day.
The scent is aromatic, wood-like, and aquatic. An integration of citrus notes and spices downplay the mild rosemary, sage, and geranium tones. Familiar smells of incense and patchouli are released from this integration.
The original masculine scent of the Aqua Di Gio Profumo is still dominant, and the duration it lasts for is quite impressive.
With this fragrance, Armani set out to make the wearer feel like they were in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Many people would say the company was successful in this endeavor.
Buy "Aqua Di Gio Profumo – Giorgio Armani" on Amazon#1: Creed Aventus (Eau de Parfum)
Any guy who has worn this cologne will tell you how great it is. Ladies won’t tell you any differently, either. Actually, the Creed Aventus is often cited as the best men’s cologne that women are drawn to.
This fragrance can be worn all year long and gives you a masculine, mature scent.
Often worn by connoisseurs, this cologne can be worn during social outings, when you’re on the road, or on a date. It can be applied night or day and during any season.
The most potent notes of the Creed Aventus are musk, birch, and pineapple, which integrate to produce a wood-like and sweet fragrance. The long-lasting impact of the spray won’t overwhelm those around you, thanks to its mild sillage content.
Buy "Creed Aventus" on AmazonFor Your Consideration:
Armani Code – Giorgio Armani (EDT)
This traditional formula is best worn on cool winter evenings. Armani Code integrates notes like lemon and bergamot with olive blossom and star anise.
The sensuality of the fragrance is enhanced with traces of tonka bean, leather, and tobacco.
While this EDT is often complemented, a lackluster performance prevents it from making our top ten list.
Buy "Armani Code – Giorgio Armani" on AmazonCarolina Herrera – CH Men Prive (EDT)
This cologne blends masculinity with sweetness. Some call this fragrance a best-kept secret – the opening note is sweet, and transitions into a potent aroma of whiskey and spice.
With that said, the CH Men Prive can be quite striking when someone is in close proximity to you, even if they’re just walking by. Those who are drawn to its scent will comment on its appeal whether they know you or not.
And that’s our list of the best men’s colognes for those seeking out compliments!
Buy "Carolina Herrera – CH Men Prive" on Amazon