Keep in mind the well-known line “the first impression, lasts”? Wearing a scent is an invisible piece of our daily style. And it significantly affects how other individuals see and remember you. Today we are going try to help you find the best cologne for men.
A decent cologne offers various advantages, from making you more appealing to enable you to feel less stressed but rather more confident. But then 80% of men don’t wear cologne all the time!
But why? I think one of the main reason is lack of knowledge and basic information about cologne and fragrances. Maybe the dread of abusing the fragrance and the repercussions it can have on our reputation.
Check out the newly updated list with some new players as we head into the new year!
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A History Of Cologne
Cologne is a type of perfume originated from Cologne, Germany. Ever since then, it becomes the most common term for scented formulation in a concentration of 2%-5% sort fundamental oils or a mix of extracts, alcohol, and water.
In a base of diluted ethanol, a cologne contains a blend of citrus oils like orange, tangerine, lemon, lime, bergamot, and other types of citrus fruits.
It might likewise contain oils of lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano, jasmine, olive, tobacco and other spices as well. A cologne has become the generic term being used to market this type of fragrance, especially for men.
What To Look For When Buying Cologne
When you try to visit a menswear store, you wouldn’t see a perfume section, like the ladies. Which there are fragrance and cosmetics inside the store making it a one-stop-shop.
Well, that’s a good thing! You wouldn’t want to be sprayed unexpectedly with just some samples that you don’t even want, right?
So, here’s some ideas you might want to consider before getting a cologne.
You have to consider your budget first, price range depending on the brand and the year it was released.
If it’s a luxury brand of cologne, expect it to be a little bit pricey, but if it’s something you can buy over-the-counter, the price may be reasonable or perhaps cheap.
Before getting a cologne, you need to consider its composition. This means the different ingredients that make up the scent. In the perfume world, it is called the “notes”.
A typical fragrance consists of 3 layers of notes, the bottom or base note, which basically becomes the lasting scent of the fragrance.
It is usually composed of musk and ambergris, the heart or middle note, which is the main scent of a fragrance, and the top note, this is the selling part of a fragrance.
Lastly, you also need to consider the oil content, the concept, classification and of course, the strength.
Usually, if you’re buying or selecting a fragrance, wait for at least 15 minutes to 2 hours before deciding, the top note will evaporate and you’ll smell the real scent of that specific fragrance you’re planning to get.
How To Apply Cologne
If you have the habit of rubbing the fragrance after applying it just to smell the scent, well that’s a big no-no.
If you’re planning to use a fragrance, the best time to apply it is right after a shower. You aim the nozzle at least 5-6 inches away from the warmest part of your body.
It is widely suggested that you need to apply the fragrance on your skin, not on your clothes. Why? Because the oil might stain the fabric.
When applying or spraying a fragrance, you have to start light. Start with one spray on your chest, your shoulders and your wrist since those are some of the warmest parts of your body.
Why do we need to spray the fragrance in the warmest part of our body? Our body heat will push away the scent and carry it all throughout the day hence, creating a trail of the scent called “sillage”, or the “head turning factor”.
Don’t over spray, some believe that more spray means more attention, remember that a fragrance should be discovered, not announced.
So only re-spray when required, like you walk outside under the heat of the sun in the middle of the day. Or if you’re going to an interview, in an air conditioned room office, that’s the time you might consider re-spraying.
Recommendations
[su_box title=”Pheromones – Best Smelling Cologne For Men” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
Pheromones are like hormones but it works outside the body, it attracts, alters and trigger the behavior of other species or individual. This prompts them to follow a certain trail, or to back-off or maybe sexual arousal.
When blended to a cologne and the main target are men’s fragrance, the scent may smell interesting as it will attract women, hopefully. At least somehow… or use Raw Chemistry’s Pheromone Cologne for Him.
It is amazing stuff, but it’s not magic.
There are reviews that say this fragrance is tested to attract women, they will definitely notice something different in you. Either your smell or the just the pheromones doing its magic.
You might just want to consider its composition. If the oil mixture is quite high, don’t spray or apply it on any fabric or clothes, it will definitely stain.
It all depends on your body chemistry as well, some fragrances work well with your body chemistry and some don’t.
That’s why it is best to try some products first on your skin, leave it for a couple of minutes, walk around, and after that, try smelling the scent. If it’s not something you smelled during your first spray, try switching to another brand.
That’s how you’ll find out if a fragrance works with your body chemistry.
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[su_box title=”Drakkar Noir – Best Selling Cologne For Men” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
If you’re talking about classic men’s cologne, one brand name will emerge, and that is the Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche.
The fragrance is a blend of aromatic notes like lavender, citrus, spicy berries and based with sandalwood to give it a manly woody scent.
It opens with a few citrus notes similar to most fragrances for men. Citrus notes often depict a fresh image, something light smelling.
The citric notes are followed by a mint to enhance the refreshing light scent. As soon as the top notes evaporate, the heart or middle not will kick in.
It contains scents of of green, leafy, mossy and woody smell will emerge after the citrus scent, making it more masculine. When you say masculine, it is being pictured as someone whose still fresh, after all the hard work and sweat.
The Drakkar Noir is perfectly blended with all the spicy, citrus, and woody smell.
It is like putting pheromones and hormones together in a single black bottle. The black coloring of the bottle matches the dark pine trees and dark woods blended with musk and leather.
The Drakkar Noir is a perfect match for a formal evening event, you will surely stand out amongst the rest wearing this classic fragrance.
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[su_box title=”Lucky You” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
The brand speaks for itself, it has a four leaf clover embossed in its clear bottle. You can see the light green color of the cologne, which means it has a fresh scent.
It was released in the year 2000 by Lucky Brand and this is selling for $12.00 only!!!
When you apply the cologne, you’ll notice the top note, which is a mix of fresh subtle scents from tamarind combined with herbs to make it smell fresh.
After the top note has settled, the middle notes of cardamon and other woody scents will kick in, making it a more masculine scent that will blend perfectly with sweat.
The base note consists of sandalwood, musk and again several types of woody ingredients.
Lucky You has a fresh musk smell, the musk usually holds the other notes, to make it last. You can wear this on any physical activities.
It’s a decent scent and can last for approximately 1-5 hours, but in the fragrance world, 1-5 hours really is not a good length when it comes to measuring the staying power of the cologne.
Maybe the musk here is used just to hold together the other base notes to help the scent emerge as a woody but fresh scent with a hint of musk.
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[su_box title=”Mambo” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
Liz Claiborne usually is a brand we all know is dedicated to women. But most of the designer brands also dominate the men’s market. Liz Claiborne executed it very well by launching Mambo, this is a cologne spray for men launched in 2001.
Mambo is an Oriental Fougere fragrance crafted by Carlos Benaim. The top note is a blend of citrus and herb making it fresh.
While the middle note is a balanced mix of herbs, spices and a little bit of rose and geranium.
Base note is more of a woody and musky blend making this fragrance a spicy somewhat old-school barbershop vibe.
Due to its spicy scent, Mambo suits well during fall or winter and is not suggested during summer or spring, since the scent is heavy and warm.
The staying power is a good 5-8 hours, depending on your body chemistry. If you have plans of using it as your daily cologne, you can. If you’re staying at your office this will blend perfectly well with the temperature.
Though the scent is heavy, Mambo’s top note is somehow light and faint, because of the citrus and herbs, which will only last for a couple of hours, or even minutes.
And if you’re looking for that intense fragrance, there are other brands in the market for you except for this product.
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[su_box title=”Curve” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
Another item which Liz Claiborne introduced is the Curve. Launched in 1996, it is classified as a refreshing, spicy lavender, amber fragrance.
This manly aroma has a mix of fresh greens, warm wind, pepper, completing with mahogany and water. It is prescribed for daytime use.
You’ll smell the top note when you spray the cologne, it is a balanced blend of fruit and berries mixed with lavender to give that fresh wonderful scent. Then a subtle mix of spices when the middle note kick in.
Just like most men’s cologne, the base note is a mix of woody and musky scent to incorporate the masculine image.
The retail value of this product is quite cheap, a 6.7oz bottle for $28.00, not bad at all, and it definitely lasts longer, if I were to rank it, with 10 being the highest, I would probably give it an 8 for staying power.
Liz Claiborne’s Curve is a wonderful cologne, which is best used during daytime but can also be used in the evening, it is a light scent fragrance with a hint of woody musk that will definitely make a statement, it’s like a mix of A&F Fierce and CK Eternity.
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[su_box title=”Happy” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
If you haven’t had any Clinique Happy cologne ever in your life, you better get one now! This is one of the perfect examples of fresh and clean scent, as you’re wearing this fragrance, your mood will simply be “Happy”.
Clinique Happy for men was launched and introduced in the market in 1999, you will definitely notice at first spray the citrus fresh scent. It is more like a mix different citrus fruits perfectly combined with sea notes that make it smells like fresh water.
The heart note is a blend of light floral scent which is light enough not to make it smell like a women’s cologne. But it can be distinguished as an important ingredient in making this a potential top choice.
When the whole notes evaporated, the base note takes effect by utilizing the musk to hold on and bind the top and middle note and combine it with little woody ingredients just to make it last longer. Keeping the fresh and clean scent, while maintaining a sillage.
This cologne is best for summer and spring, it is very light, very soothing scent, not too crisp and blends well with almost every type of body chemistry. It can also be used for evening events, but then again, you’d smell morning and fresh even at nighttime.
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[su_box title=”Jaguar” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
While Jaguar is best known for the luxury car, their fragrances are just as luxurious, but with a much lower price tag. Jaguar Classic Black opens with orange, mandarin and green apples, along with a powdery metallic accord.
Now, the dry down showcases a woody base note, vetiver, cedar, oak moss, sandalwood, and also musk. It’s a fantastic scent for a hot day and smells far more expensive than it is.
The bottle seems to be bigger to be placed inside your closet, the metallic edge of the bottle are just plastic painted silver to make it look for luxurious. While the pricing is $19-$20, quite cheap for a luxury brand.
It was released in 2009 and the man behind the scent is Dominique Preyssas.
The Jaguar Classic offers several options like Classic Blue, Classic Red, Classic Amber and the Classic Black. The Jaguar Classic Blacks seem to smell like the Azzaro Chrome Legend, because of the musky, aquatic seaside scent.
It is recommended for casual wear, during daytime and can also be used in the evening for a much formal event.
So, whether you want to smell good every day while just walking around the neighborhood, or going to a special occasion and wanted to smell different to get attention while not breaking the bank, this is the right cologne for you.
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[su_box title=”Versace” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
The Versace Dylan Blue, this is a solid release, this is the latest addition to the Versace Pour Homme range.
It is not so strong like the Versace Eros but not too weak like the Versace Pour Homme. This has a really good performance for a fresh fragrance or a semi-fresh fragrance.
This is actually very impressive, you’ll easily get an 8 hours from this fragrance. For a semi-fresh fragrance, like it is, it’s really solid.
The versatility, it can be worn any time of the year, in school, work, and can be worn by teens and like a 40-year-old man.
The Versace Dylan Blue Pour Homme is classified as aromatic fougere, it has a delightful scent, lightweight but not too lightweight. It is not too overpowering, not something offensive and is pleasant to those around you.
Without a doubt, it sells itself, with the blue bottle and the gold cap with the gold Versace logo, it’s definitely eye-catching. It also has a fresh scent, can be worn at any time of the day,
It’s a masculine yet fresh, really fresh fragrance. If you’re a fan of fragrances such as Dior Sauvage, this is a great addition to your collection.
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[su_box title=”Tommy Hilfiger” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
Tommy Hilfiger is a fragrance for men and women which brings us back in the year 1995. The bottle design is not unique, it doesn’t have much design on it, it simply represents travel to America because of the ingredients inside this cologne.
It contains scents of is more of a citrus fruity smell, basically the start of the aquatic scent. It contains scents of strength is very moderate, the staying power is 4-8 hours, depending on the climate and your body temperature.
Top notes definitely smell some grapefruit, lavender, and mint. The middle notes have some apple, cinnamon, and cranberry. So you’ll definitely smell the fresh, fruity fresh scent with a bit of citrus background.
It’s a simple cologne and can be worn any time of the day, and can be worn in the office too. It’s best worn during spring and summer and it is more of a youthful scent.
Don’t expect much regarding the staying power of this one, since it is light fresh and citrus, it only lasts for a couple of hours.
You can never go wrong with this fragrance, it is an established brand and a well-known product.
Back then it was one of the best-selling fragrances, but since there are lots of competition today, it is best to keep a bottle, just for you to use if you want to stand out from the others.
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[su_box title=”Pleasures” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
Sometimes, a man just wants to smell nice. Nothing too overpowering. Another women’s brand that launches a fragrance line for men is Estee Lauder. They’ve come up with Pleasures for Men, which they introduced back in 1997 as a light and charming fragrance for the active men.
This clean elegant, yet captivating scent, excites you with a unique blend of nectarine, green grapefruit. These citrus scents are balanced by peppery spices, classic floral and a fragrance of wood and moss to finish this delightful aroma.
Pleasures is your “nice guy in a bottle”, so if you want to be that “Mr. Nice Guy”, this is the one for you. It’s perfect for your first date, job interview or dinner with friends, and of course, let’s not forget those pleasurable moments.
It is a strong perfume, but this is a stronger in a good way. One spray will last for 5-8 hours. If you’d spray another one, it can probably last you the whole day.
Many consumers say that this resembles Davidoff’s Cool Water. But I find the Pleasures a lot more subtle, more elegant and definitely, more refined.
This is truly an amazing fragrance, it captivates the heart just like what a great fragrance does.
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[su_box title=”Boss” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
Boss Bottled No. 6 by Hugo Boss was originally released in 1999. Some of the notes include geranium, cinnamon, apple, and sensual woodsy notes.
When you first spray it, you really smell the apple. As it settles, you’ll begin to smell the cinnamon and the woodsy notes.
This light and sporty cologne can be worn by any man during the day. This fragrance was created by Annick Menardo. The same person who created the Bulgari Black and Yves Saint Laurent Body Kouros.
Those two scents that get a lot of compliments and this goes on the same realm.
The top note consists of apple, cinnamon, bergamot, and plum. For the middle, what you’re going to get is kind of clove and geranium. Now, for the base note, what you’re going to get is cedar wood, sandalwood, olive wood, vanilla, and vetiver.
This fragrance really comes off immediately as a fruity fragrance from the top. As it begins to dry down, the cloves begin to come out, and it begins to smooth out a little.
What you’re going to get is a little bit of vanilla. But you’re not going to smell it not until the whole fragrance dries down. What you’re left with is the fruity smell that blends well with the woodsy creamy vanilla smell.
This particular fragrance is very versatile and can be worn all year round.
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[su_box title=”Halston” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
Halston cologne for men manufactured by Halston manufactures is an enticing perfume that is impeccable for special occasions.
Introduced in the marketplace by the leading designers at the industry of Halston in the year 1974.
This product provides an outright aromatic mish-mash of fresh green points, delectable bergamot, spicy basil, sweet gardenia, and crisp cypress to create a self-assured masculine aroma that can leave you feeling gorgeous all through the day and night.
This abstemiously strong men’s cologne is the impeccable ultimate touch to that passionate appointment with your better half.
Pros and cons of Halston cologne.
Pros:
- Is long lasting
- A small quantity of this product goes a long way
- Cleans and is refreshing
- Is affordable for most people
- Has an enticing smell
- Spray this and watch yourself draw everybody’s attention
Cons:
- Does not hold for long
- Can be overpowering for some people
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[su_box title=”Pheromones Oil” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
This first-rate cologne was initially introduced in the marketplace around ten years ago. This item was among the initial pheromone colognes.
Even more, this particular cologne was fabricated by biologists and pharmacologists to offer exceptional benefits and scent to its daily users.
The pheromone oil cologne is packed inside small bottles, and it retails with a 19 milligrams mixture of human pheromones such as androstadienone, androstenone, and androstenol.
It also retails with additionally branded pheromones that have just been recently discovered
Pros and cons of Pheromone Oil.
Pros:
- It’s extremely effective
- A small quantity of this perfume can last for a long while
- Affordable for most men around the world
- Has impressive reviews on Amazon
Cons:
- Some clients have reported that they didn’t receive the products they ordered
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[su_box title=”Skulls and Roses” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
Skulls and roses is a cologne designed by Christina Audigier and manufactured by Ed Hardy and the 2 perfumers Adriana Medina Baez and Mary Pierre.
They launched this high-quality perfume in the year 2012, September. The product is best known for having top notes of cardamom and bergamot. Its middle note is lavender, and its base notes are musk and moss.
The cologne retails in a marvelously enticing 3 dimension skull bottle with an attractive rose tattoo. All products from these manufactures are authentic and original name brands.
They do not sell off imitations or knockoffs.
Make sure you buy yourself or your loved one a piece of this excellent cologne combining masculine notes of moss, sandalwood, and daring amber.
Pros and cons of Skulls and Roses
Pros:
- Its smells is long lasting
- Not so overpowering
- Will leave you feeling fresh and clean
- A small amount of this cologne goes a long way
- Can be utilized at any time even as you go to sleep
Cons:
- Expensive for most people
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[su_box title=”CJ Black” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
Could you be looking for an affordable cologne that doesn’t smell cheap? Are you having a tough time picking a cologne that can actually stick to you?
Are you tired of wasting lots of cash on high dollar colognes and searching for replace men?
If your answer to any of these queries was “a big and bold yes” then I presume you’ll be happy to realize that Men’s Rue21 CJ Black could be what you are looking for.
As a man who boasts a better than average fashion sense, I usually like smelling decent and looking somewhat clean.
The one complication to this responsibilities was the luxurious perfumes I was using since most of them were costing me way too much cash. I was delighted when I read about CJ Black cologne.
This product is a nice smelling cologne for gentlemen with winter and fall based spices. Despite the fact that the 17$ price tag does not sound so promising, you’ll almost definitely be surprised by the effectiveness of this product.
Pros and cons of Men’s Rue21 CJ Black.
Pros:
- Has an extremely enticing smell
- Very affordable for all who would like to try it out
- This cologne will hold on for a relatively long time
- A small quantity can be all you need for the entire day
Cons:
- Unless you order the product online, finding it in your local retail stores could be a hustle
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[su_box title=”Jovan” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
Jovan Musk is an aftershave cologne manufactured by Jovan for men. Masculine but still sweet, Jovan Musk for men remains the classic perfume for the confident and suave men.
Concocted in the year 1973 under the Jovan manufactures label, this fragrance has passed the test of time, combining floral, woody notes with a simple nuanced touch of musk.
Amalfi lemon and lime notes add vitality and freshness to the cologne, supplementing the smooth herbal note of mints and the sweet aroma of lavender.
The note of scent enhances the final vital element, resulting in the cologne’s stylish and confident feel.
Pros and cons of Jovan Musk for men.
Pros:
- Has an enticing smell
- Will leave you feeling clean and fresh
- Draws Compliments
- You can use it at any given time even as you go to sleep
Cons:
- Does not last long after applying
- Some say it is overpowering
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[su_box title=”English Leather” style=”default” box_color=”#2aff00″ title_color=”##000000″ radius=”6″ class=””]
This durable and robust cologne from Dana Fragrances is manufactured from newfangled, 100% genuine products of a signature and masculine leather that can be appealing to gentlemen across generations.
Even more, it features a distinctive and iconic men’s fragrance for gentlemen who feel bold enough to exhibit their own styles.
The aroma of this strong cologne for men is just impeccable for daily wear and is extremely durable to let you enjoy the English leather cologne.
Pros and cons of English Leather for Men by Dana Fragrances.
Pros:
- Has a unique scent
- Lasts for a long time
- The aroma it releases is sort of classy
- Affordable for most shavers across the world
- Can also be an enticing present for the men in your life
Cons:
- Might be a hustle to find on retail stores so you might have to order online
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Conclusion
Thanks for sticking with us so far! Hopefully you are not anymore confused by so many awesome choices for men’s cologne.
Just like with many products this is going to come down to your own personal preferences and skin type.
Of course, there are different cologne’s for different occasions. But the best way to find the one you like is to start trying them!
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