Searching for the best cologne for men is quite the difficult task. I would know—I’ve been on the hunt for months. Years. Test-driving virtually every brand out there, I’ve sniffed about just every scent possible, too—from smokey and earthy to crisp and fruity. What makes a scent the best scent? It’s subjective, really, but the best options out there feature the right balance of notes, wearability, and yes, shelf appeal. Don’t you love a good bottle design?
Vogue’s Favorite Colognes for Men
- Best Day-to-Night: Chanel Bleu de Chanel, $178
- Best Nature-Inspired: Dior Sauvage, $100
- Best Floral for Men: Calvin Klein Eternity for Men, $83
- Best Bold & Aromatic Cologne: Ralph Lauren Polo Black, $99
- Best Warm & Spicy Cologne: Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club, $160
- Best Sweet & Woody Cologne: Byredo Bibliothèque, $200
- Best Cozy Cologne: Tom Ford Oud Wood, $285
- Best Hidden Gem: Le Labo Another 13, $310
- Best Crisp Cologne: Creed Aventus, $365
Other Preferances
Best Fruity Cologne: Hugo Boss Boss
Notes: Apple, lemon, plum, geranium, cinnamon, cloves, vetiver, sandalwood
Available Sizes: 3.3 oz
Best Musk: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Silver
Notes: Juniper berries, nutmeg, corriander, musk, ambery woods, vanilla
Sizes: 2.4 oz, 6.7 oz
Best Floral for Men: Calvin Klein Eternity for Men
Available Sizes: 3.3 oz
Best Earthy Cologne: Hermès Terre d’Hermès Eau Givrée
Notes: Citron, Juniper berry, Timut pepper
Available Sizes: 3.3 oz, 6 oz
Best Woody Floral: Byredo Mojave Ghost
Notes: Amberette, nesberry, magnolia, sandalwood, violet, cedarwood, musks, vetiver
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.
Best Western-Inspired: Le Labo Another 13
Notes: Ambrox, musk, amber, jasmine petals, moss, ambrette seeds
Available Sizes: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Best Dry & Woody: Gucci Guilty Elixir de Parfum
Notes: Rose, hot chili pepper, lavender, orange blossom, cedarwood, patchouli
Available Sizes: 1.6 oz, 3.3 oz
Best Woody-Grapefruit: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Lucky
Notes: Grapefruit, green plum, hazelnut, cedarwood, patchouli
Available Sizes: 3.4 oz
Best Warm & Spicy Cologne: Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club
Notes: Pink pepper, primofiore lemon, neroli, rum absolute, clary sage, java vetiver, tobacco leaf absolute, vanilla bean, styrax resin
Available Sizes: 1 oz, 3.4 oz
Best Warm Cologne: Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme
Notes: Bitter orange, oakwood, vetiver
Sizes: 2 oz, 3.4 oz
Best Cozy Oud: Tom Ford Oud Wood
Notes: Oud wood, sandalwood, cardamom, tonka bean. Chinese pepper
Available Sizes: 1 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
Best Mint Cologne: Frédéric Malle Geranium Pour Monsieur
Notes: Mint, menthol, anise geranium, clove, benzoin, incense, sandalwood, white musks
Available Sizes: 3.4 oz
Best Modern Cologne: Diptyque Orphéon
Notes: Juniper berry, cedar, tonka bean, jasmine, smoke
Sizes: 2.5 oz
Best Fresh & Woody: Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF
Notes: Fresh accord, orange blossom absolute heart, woods accord
Available Sizes: 3.3 oz
Best Aquatic: Prada Luna Rossa Ocean
Notes: Bergamot essence, pink essence, iris absolute, vetiver essence, sage essence, vetiver essence, tonka bean
Available Sizes: 1.6 oz, 3.3 oz
Best Unisex: Dior Bois D’Argent
Notes: Jasmine, iris, frankincense, wood accords
Sizes: 4.25 oz, 8.5 oz
How to Apply Cologne?
While it is actually quite simple to apply a cologne correctly, there are best practices worth considering. Generally speaking, all you’ll need is three to four spritzes (sprayed a few inches from your body) to smell great without being overpowering. We’d recommend spraying on your pulse points—the wrists, the neck, behind the ears, and near the temples. Though you may feel inclined to, try not to apply on your clothing or jewelry to avoid any damage or staining to precious fabrics.