Your scent is a part of your style and can leave a lasting impact on those who meet you (for better or for worse!). We’re not alone in that feeling, a recent study shows that a man’s scent was a major factor for women seeking a potential partner. Of course, finding the right cologne can be challenging with so many options. Doesn’t it seem like the scents all seem the same after just smelling a few? We’re hoping to make that process easier for you — rather than sniffing bottle after bottle, we took a look at 10 reviews by the pros and came away with the seven best colognes for men.
You can thank us in advance. In general, men who wear cologne may feel more confident, more attractive, and leave a better first impression on others. If you’re on the dating scene, your cologne choice is an important part of you. A recent study showed that hygiene is a major factor for Americans seeking a partner. Proper hygiene also has powerful benefits, easing stress & anxiety, boosting sleep, and improving self-image. So on top of the basics, guys should look to find a scent that resonates with them. After all, sense of smell is still one of the most powerful senses we have, even though it’s apparently gotten weaker over time, scientists say. Perhaps because of that slight loss of smell, a high quality cologne can be the perfect solution for those men looking to stand out…whether in the board room or on a date!
Carrying an appealing smell could also help you make friends, perhaps. One study shows that people actually choose their friends — based on how they smell! Researchers in report that people with similar body odors are more likely to become friends. “This is not to say that we act like goats or shrews – humans likely rely on other, far more dominant cues in their social decision-making. Nevertheless, our study’s results do suggest that our nose plays a bigger role than previously thought in our choice of friends,” notes Prof. Noam Sobel of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.
So which men’s cologne is the best? StudyFinds has researched 10 expert websites and compiled a list of the most frequently recommended scents. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
The List: Top 7 Colognes For Men, According to Experts
1. Bleu de Chanel
Noted for its strong, intriguing scent, Chanel’s Bleu de Chanel landed on seven of our experts’ top lists. Chanel, of course, is widely known in the fragrance industry, with Chanel N° 5 being one of the top selling perfumes within the USA. It’s Bleu, however, that is a heavy favorite for 2023.
Bleu de Chanel has long been a top-selling cologne within the fragrance world, and Men’s Health tells it best, saying ”it’s just plain good.”
The standout scent was praised for its “woody cedar undertone with lingering traces of grapefruit, making it a fresh, clean-smelling option,” according to Brides. Meanwhile, CNN Underscore ranks it tops overall, highlighting how the cologne’s “citrus and amber notes complement each other perfectly, while the cedarwood adds an element of punch.”
No matter where you go — even down under — Bleu is turning heads in the right direction. “Commanding a strong presence, this timeless fragrance is elegant and captivating blending citrus and woods to evoke a fresh, clean scent. True to the continuous appeal of Chanel, this is a classic fragrance that will stay is style – perfect for becoming a new signature scent for the sophisticated gentleman,”says The Market Herald in Australia.
2. Dior Sauvage
Dior has long been a player in the high-end luxury fashion market and the Sauvage is no different, having been around since 1966. The Sauvage has been a top selling scent ever since. For those wanting to be noticed for their cologne, it might be the option for you.
This cologne is a more bold choice in scents, reviewers say, though the Robb Report names it the best cologne to wear in the office. CNN Underscore writes that Dior Savage “contains hints of ambroxan, Sichuan pepper and reggio bergamot, making it perfect for the man who wants to stand out from the crowd.”
SPY also highlights the pepper and bergamot hints in its review, and notes the cologne is a great choice if you’re looking to spend under $100. “Complex in composition yet raw in scent, Dior Sauvage evokes grandeur and summons compliments no matter the gathering,” they write.
Adds T3: “Like its poster boy Johnny Depp, Sauvage is an intriguing mix of rugged manliness (vetiver, pepper, patchouli) and borderline feminine refinement (lavender, geranium) that’s hard to pin down, but there’s no end of wearers complimenting its wondrous fusion of scents.”
3. Versace Eros
There may be no bigger name when it comes to men’s fashion than Versace, and Eros is certainly living up to that expectation of the best of the best.
“Playful and warm yet sexy and charming, Eros expertly blends minty freshness with a touch of sweetness for an irresistible result that’s as enchanting as it is tantalizing. Best part: Its cool spiciness means it’s suitable for all seasons,” boasts Forbes.
Even before trying the cologne, reviewers also love the design of the bottle alone. “We don’t know what’s cooler, the beautiful Art Deco–style bottle or the addition of mint in this fresh and tropical scent. Infused with orange, Italian lemon zest, green apple, tonka beans, amber, woody vanilla, vetiver, and moss, this fusion of scents wears well in the summer but is a pretty universal cologne overall,” says Brides.
Like Sauvage, Eros is a statement scent that will have those around you noticing your aroma right away. “The bold mix of citrus and woods in this cologne (think the classic Eros but more intense) is best worn when you want to make an entrance—and leave a lasting impression,” writes Men’s Health.
4. Calvin Klein Eternity
Let’s be honest: There are far too many colognes to choose from and sometimes it’s good to just go with that one great scent that you simply can’t go wrong with. Well, there’s no better choice than Calvin Klein’s longtime favorite Eternity.
“Calvin Klein’s Eternity is an absolute powerhouse of a cologne that dudes have been rocking all over the globe for years. It has an OG-centric aesthetic, making it a must-have for any guy’s cologne collection,” says SPY.
Eternity is also a winner if you’re looking for a cologne to give as a gift because it’s so universally beloved — and because it’s not as expensive as others on the list. “Eternity is evergreen: sage, cedar, bergamot, and moss combine for an earthen and refreshing finish, and at a price that is friendly to the greens in your wallet. This is one of those scents that everyone recognizes, since it’s an easy pick as a signature scent, or as a gift for the cologne-curious,” writes GQ.
5. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
If an industry standard like Eternity isn’t for you, Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille is definitely something different worth trying. As Forbes jokes, “The Tobacco Vanille is grandpa’s smoking jacket meeting grandma’s freshly baked vanilla cookies.”
Don’t let that fool you – the Vanille is still an intriguing cologne for men. Forbes adds that the cologne is “a refined balance that is not overly sweet or overly smoky, the smell remains warm, inviting and—most importantly—worthy of compliments.”
Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille is a scent may appeal to outdoorsy men who enjoy the finer things in life, especially a bold cologne. “With ginger, tobacco and cocoa, this high-end Tom Ford cologne is the ultimate sweet and spicy scent for the person who just can’t pick between the two,” says CNN Underscored.
6. Blu Atlas Atlantis
“Influenced by the scents and sights of the coastal jungle in Bali,” Blu Atlas Atlantis is a newcomer that joined the mix in 2022.
The scent alone is a huge differentiation from the competition, appealing to folks who want to avoid a strong chemical brew. It is made without any phthalates or other unwanted additives, as noted by Forbes. The formula is also vegan and cruelty free.
Perhaps the final selling point of the Blu Atlas Atlantis was the versatility that the scent offers to those who wear it. Men’s Journal says Blu Atlas is one of the best colognes for men to attract women. “This eau de parfum from Blu Atlas smells like an outdoor adventure, and the exhilarating air of mystery that comes from a man who can sweep a woman off her feet. As both a masculine and clean scent, you can be confident that this is one of the best colognes,” they write. “Bright, fresh top notes of bergamot, lemon, and blackcurrant give way to an herbaceous heart made of violet, orris, oak-moss, and ambrette seed. Then base notes persist throughout the day to give you that outdoorsy vibe that women love.”
7. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio
One of the most well-known cologne brands, and a staple within the industry since its inception in 1996, Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani is another one of those “can’t go wrong” bottles.
Acqua di Gio’s scent, a combination of “bergamot, neroli, rosemary, and patchouli to scream earthy in the best way” (Brides) give this cologne a great smell without being too overpowering. Other expert sites mention hints of marine, lavender, and green tangerine.
The Armani cologne also received high praise for its extended life and wearability, meaning your scent won’t quickly go away. In fact, Men’s Health notes the scent has “eternal wearability.”
Editor’s Choice: Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey
“I’m probably about as difficult a consumer when it comes to shopping for cologne as it gets,” says StudyFinds Editor-in-Chief Steve Fink. “I don’t wear cologne often and I view it more of a distraction than an attraction. But I’m also married with kids and how I smell probably isn’t as important to me as it used to be. All that said, I will usually add a dab of cologne to my wrists on formal occasions and I prefer something woodsy, but not too overbearing. Issey Miyake’s signature cologne is my go-to scent without fail. There’s something fresh and outdoorsy about it that I love and, without not really knowing a better way to describe it, I always feel like I smell like ‘I’m on vacation’ when I wear it. You also need to spray on very little, making the bottle last a lifetime. I also recommend the aftershave balm as an alternative to the cologne — it’s much milder and still releases that ‘I’m on vacation’ scent that I love.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Perfumes for Women
- Best of the Best Scented Candles
- Best Men’s Shaving Cream
- Best Aftershaves for Men
- Best Women’s Shaving Cream
Sources:
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
Good effort but there are several mistakes in this article. From spelling, to sentences in the wrong places and a sub heading saying ‘The List: Top 5 Colognes’
The concentration of each also hasn’t been identified/recommended – each of these 7 scents come in different concentration levels, typically with different notes and performance.
Although, I will be checking-out Blu Atlas Atlantis 🙂
Hope this is taken as constructive feedback.
Thanks
Okay so I wasn’t the only one confused when the Blu Atlas write-up inexplicably pivoted back to the previous entry, tobacco vanilla ? 😆😆
Thierry Mugler – Amen Pure Havane
When i put this onand walk into a room, i get a lot of complements from male and female that i smell unbelievable.
Sad news, it is not available anymore in South Africa.
Fahrenheit By Christian Dior outdoes all of these. The most unique scent ever!
To some people Fahrenheit smells like a small Forrest fire. Lol Honestly to me it smells like clothes that were involved in a house fire and the smoke smell doesn’t come out.
Sorry, it’s Aramis for me. Nice clean scent and NOT TOO STRONG.
***Please be sure to let men and women know that a little goes long way. Do not drench yourselves in it. A little dab will do.
Agree how dare they discontinue Armani Mania!?!
I’ve always enjoyed and use Kenneth Cole Black. It just fits.
Ridiculously outdated
This was put together by someone with no real interest in the subject.
You are spot on. Seriously, three blue frags, three freshies and a Tom Ford. Any of these colognes is fine (except for Sauvage edt) which is trash, but nowhere NEAR the “best” colognes, by any stretch!
Next story this clown is going to write is to tell us that Disneyland is the optimal wedding destination!
I think Thierry Mugler Angel is a nice soft scent for men as well.
All time favorite is angel /theirry mugler and colonge by T.M JUST CAME ACROSS ITALIAN. LOVE.AMAZEING GRACE GOOD SMELL LOTION
This is a list of “good inexpensive colognes”, not the best ones.
Creed Aventus. The best cologne ever! Yes it’s expensive but …
Facts
Ehhh I prefer Virgin Island water over Aventus. Xerjoff Erba Pura or cruz del sur ii is better.
LOL.. Is this the best of 2010 list?
None of the Creeds or Bond #9 made the list. This list is way OFF.
Agreed! Bond #9 are amazing!
Eros,Eros, Eros!!!!! One and only!
I’m glad my go to is not on this BS list…. Absolute classic that you can wear $ anytime women love it. I’m glad no rookies are going to read this article and find it.
So these are “basic” introductory level colognes for the young novice crowd. Stuff the average Joe off the street can purchase at Walmart. It’s not a list of signature colognes that will turn heads. (Unless you are 14 years old).
Lol.
Hmm! Definitely not! You can NOT buy any of these at your local Walmart! What a ridiculous statement. Anyone with brains would no you can’t buy TOM FORD at Walmart! I have bought Dior Sauvage, Tom Ford, and Pablo Rabón One Million, which, by the way, also didn’t make the list. Just because your favorite isn’t on list, doesn’t mean the list is bad. I love all the scents mentioned.
I agree, just because your favorite cologne isn’t listed does not mean that the list is trash. I have MY top 5 that I have used and really loved.
-Dior Sauvage,
-Dolce & Gabbana k,
-Creed Himalaya,
-Thierry Muglar, A-Men ( the strongest and longest lasting cologne that I ever used )
-Aqua Di Gio
-Tom Ford -Noir
I would like to try any cologne with an irresistible sexy fragrance.
Any authority on this subject knows that CREED is the best in the industry.If you want to spend under $100 i recommend George Trumper made in England.
I highly recommend “Fierce” by Abercrombie and Fitch smells wonderful I am female and buy this for my fiancee alot. Can’t get enough of it.
This is a ridiculous list. Where’s Creed Aventus??
Yes!!! Hahaa Creed is unbeatable, divine perfection for men.
The entire Creed line could be a list by itself. I never thought i would spend $300 on any cologne but owning 2 bottles of Creed will suffice for 1 lifetime. Better than having 10 bottles of $60 average colognes
Escada Magnetism is the best smelling cologne of all time. Women stop dead in their tracks when you walk by. Too bad they discontinued it. It should be illegal to possess such an intoxicating cologne.
Whom ever made this list has ZERO taste. What about Bond #9, Thierry Mugler, and Creed!!!!!!
I agree…the person has not much clue. Now that you have mentioned it, I love Thierry MuglerB* Men, but sadly in most cases have I have the bad luck that my favorite fragrances are discontinued.
Very basic list. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one that read this article and feels it’s lacking the very best men’s colognes. I currently have eight scents in my collection and only one from this list, which was a freebie travel size for purchasing the ones I wear regularly lol 😉
Sad little list it is.
So true…this list us pathetic…if u ladies r looking for a good fragrance for your man then Desire Blue by Dunhill is an amazingly sexy fragrance …I get compliments all the time and my girl can’t keep her hands iff me
Different fragrances and notes/ingredients ect react differently in different temperatures and body heat ect.. that’s why fragrances are usually seasonal..and also varies from different people’s body chemistry..
Exactly. Some scents smell like urine on persons with different body chemistry and pheromones. You actually have to try it on,and in many cases wait a little while for the notes or tones to settle to get scent that it is on you personally.
Well,it’s not a high end cologne, but I have always been very drawn to Nautica voyage. very clean, fresh scent,not to mention appealing n inviting. Also very universal scent
Yes !!!!!!!!
Absolutely I am in love with Versace Eros where should I get it pls drop a link or contact
I hope there are samples of the colognes before purchasing. My husband and I love Newport cologne by Caswell Massey. Wonderful scent and lots of compliments.
Sauvage and Eau Sauvage are two VERY different fragrances. Eau Sauvage has indeed been around since 1966. The tripe water that is Sauvage was only introduced in 2015. They are not otherwise related and Sauvage is not a flanker of Eau Sauvage. Eau Sauvage was, before a deadly reformulation, one of the great fragrances. Some of its flankers like the 2012 Eau Sauvage Parfum were also classics. But Sauvage, the 2015 abomination, is not related to Eau Sauvage and is an ambroxan overload mass appeal to the lowest common denominator. It, like everything on this list, might be well selling but none are great or even good. Dig deeper, even after IFRA all but killed perfumery with bans on crucial ingredients like oakmoss, there are some great fragrances out there. Start with Rogue Perfumery. Their line is se ond to none.
I love Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue for women and the one for men smell so delicious!!! 💙
You should be putting “Boucheron eau de parfum” and “Habit Rouge by Guerlain
I love the oldy Joop it’s my favorite it smells so clean and fresh my man has to wear it daily
I can’t believe that Prada Luna Rossa didn’t make the cut or be number one. Every time my husband wears it I just want to take my clothes off & jump him. So sexy!!
Love this comment! Now I want to get this for my husband. Thanks for this recommendation. Something about a really amazing fragrance on my man is just so sexy. He’s wearing Tom Fords Ebene Fume Eau de Parfum ( genderless Parfum) right now ,to me it’s a masculine fragrance and it comes in 4 sizes which I love because it’s not cheap , but well worth the money & he makes it last. Normally he wears Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Eau de Parfum which has been a favorite for yrs. My son wears Azzaro The Most Wanted Parfum and I really love this one , and I think my husband smells so good when he wears it. I’ve had a few people say they love Azzaro The Most Wanted on their men as well. I love how fragrance smells different on each person. I have the Tom Ford’s Vanille Eau De Parfum Spray which I prefer on myself , and one thing about Tom Ford’s Parfum is you can layer them, so I use bath & body products that have a similar fragrance and I will sometimes wear it with Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist Vanilla & Salted Caramel Hair & Body Perfume Spray. Just yummy. But my point is that Tom Ford’s Parfum layers so nicely with other fragrances. Even the Ebénè Fume had a spicy sweet combination when layered. I know I have more , but this is what he’s been wearing lately or gravitating to.
Thanks again for your recommendation,I’m definitely looking into it.
Baccarat Rouge 540…
Luna Rosa is my Favorite
Unforgivable
Farenheit
Eternity
Aqua di Gio
Where is YSL Y. One of the famous fashion house
A Must Have Are The Creed Line-(Silver Mountain). Paco Rabbane (Elixir) Mens Parfum Alot Of Compliments. Versace Eros, Aramis An Oldie But Goodie Especially An Oil Base. Guerlain Has Very Good Notes I Used Heritage Back In The Early Days, But Interested In Trying Habit Rouge By Guerlain. And Finally Versace Signature Pour Homme Is A Great Fragrance, Aqua De Gio & Chrome Can’t Go Wrong.
I Myself Lean More Towards The Mens Parfum Vs. Eau Toilette Vs. Cologne
Article probably published by some younger fella..😄.The oldest fragnances are chan.blue and calv.kl…I’ve never heard about some blue atlantis something….
I recieved Blu Atlas Atlantis as a gift. Don’t even bother trying it. It’s average at best, although the atomizer is great and the magnetic cap is nice. A darker version of Banana Republic 78 Vintage Green. And I couldn’t find it on Fragrantica. This article may be a veiled advertisement for it. Listing it with some of the best selling colognes to try to give it credibility.
Thanks for your honest opinion.
Wear your cologne at home. Fragrance respects no boundaries.
I had high end tickets to a theater performance.
A couple sat in front of me. He reaked of “fragrance.”
I hope my coughing disrupted his theater enjoyment as much as his cologne did mine.
Blu Atlas Atlantis is a paid promotion that should not be here.
This is a terrible list. Who authorized this??
🙌🏽i totally agree i wouldn’t waste my money on anything on this horrible list😩 this shit is laughable😭
Wow what an overplayed and underwhelming list…sausage elixir is leagues above regular sausage… The other ones are just generic bs scents… Those are scents of 2017…. How about creed aventus…Mont Blanc explorer, Louis Vuitton hombre, Layton, rouge 540, bond no. 9 bond no.9.com, Maison margiela by the fireplace…I mean come on man…
Calvin Klein Eternity for men is without a doubt the worst cologne I have ever purchased
People act like designer fragrances just became popular many of us who knows the name of these name brands have been wearing them for decades those fragrances are just a few there’s way better men fragrances than that there’s a store called perfume plus that sells perfumes from all over the world
if were talking designer fragrances… here we go…
savauge is a cheaper, less sophisticated version of bleu de channel. Y by YSL is the better. Aqua do gio smells like every girls boyfriend. the tom ford is a niche and shouldn’t be in this list. Eros is only good for clubs and outdoor winter dates, instead, La nuit de lohmme by YSL(my all time fav), is by far and away superior for those occasions. for spring and summer, allure sport extreme is still a top 3 compliment getter for me(next to creed aventus, and mahogany woods from bath and body works *discontinued*) lastly, spice bomb from victor and rolf will be the ace in the hole you keep, just in case.
So the number one most preferred by women men’s cologne is….? I have read several reviews and Paco Rabanne seemed to rank fairly high and I think that it was Blue De Chanel that also left a very desirable opinion. But here I set unsure of which one(s) might leave the ladies in awe. Opinions are truly valued in this category, to me anyways.
Ive been wearing Paul Sebastion for thirty years .Not one week passes that at least 3people women and men ask me what i’m wearing