The decision to pick just one fragrance to wear out of a seemingly infinite multitude of men’s scent choices can be quite the challenging task nowadays.
When you’re just about starting out with your fragrance selection, it may be a good idea to begin with something that’s familiar – maybe go for a scent you know, like a cologne your father could’ve used or a good smelling shampoo you’ve used before. These could become your point of reference for what smells good to you, but it’s also good to experiment.
But besides the smell of the cologne, how do you know what you’re getting for your money? With fragrances, you first need to know their classifications.
With up to 40% of fragrance essence concentration, the Parfum has the highest concentration of aromatic essences or perfume oils, and therefore is the longest lasting scent of the roster. The scent can last up to 12 hours. The next in rank is Eau de Parfum (EDP), with 15-20% concentration of aromatic oils. This lasts up to about 8 hours. Then, Eau de Toilette (EDT), which can be made up of up to 15% of aromatic oils. This lasts between 2 and 4 hours. Finally, the one with the least concentration is Cologne, which is only up to 5% concentration of fragrance oils. The scent of the cologne dissipates quickly and only lasts up to 2 hours.
These are the 22 best men’s fragrances.
The Best Men’s Fragrance
CREED Aventus, Eau de Parfum
CREED Aventus EDP is a fragrance that reflects the modern ideals of masculinity. It’s bold and dynamic – characteristics that make for a strong male fragrance. The sophisticated blend is composed of a special Calville Blanc apple note that is blended with blackcurrant and bergamot essences. Other prevailing notes include birch, jasmine, ambergris, juniper berries, patchouli, vanilla, and oakmoss. Wear it with confidence whether you’re working at the office or playing in the club.
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Giorgio Armani Code Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 75 ml
The Armani Code by Giorgio Armani was introduced back in 2004, but it has remained one of Armani’s stronger offerings. It has a base note of oriental spice. It is packaged in a bottle that is reminiscent of the black tuxedo that the brand tailors. This fragrance was also the recipient of the Fifi Fragrance Award in 2006.
It is so sensual and not overtly overpowering; rather, it asserts itself in a more subtle way. The Armani Code essentially is class in a bottle. It is a concoction that combines bergamot with lemon, thereby maintaining its citrus note. Olive tree blossom, Tonka bean, and Guaiac wood notes also come through softly to create a woody and stylish scent that makes everyone notice.
Louis Vuitton Orage
Louis Vuitton Orage has split the heavens asunder and took with it all that’s magical with this majestic blend of fragrances. The perfumer responsible for this scent explains that it is a connection with the untamed part of life – the more primal and raw forces found in the environment. The notes that predominate include the woody and citrus bases as well as the patchouli, iris, bergamot, and vetiver key notes that round out the entire experience that is Louis Vuitton Orage.
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Histoires de Parfums 1828
Histoires de Parfums 1828 is unique on this roundup of great masculine perfumes for the sole reason that it was inspired by a brilliant mind that has changed the world of fiction with his amazing works – Jules Verne. 1828 actually tells a story through the notes that permeate.
The aromatic, woody, and aquatic notes create the perfect base for pepper, pine, grapefruit, eucalyptus, and tangerine top notes to shine. The overall scent evokes images of ships sailing far into the unknown with the same adventurous spirit of exploration with which Jules Verne lived his life. It is in this way that this unique perfume becomes an ode to one of the greatest writers who ever lived.
Flora Mortis, 100ml
The Spanish-made Flora Mortis is a recent member of the line-up of the English fragrance maker, AllSaints. This EDP has a rather edgy name, which literally translates to Flower of Death. While the name might seem like an oxymoron that mixes both pleasant and unpleasant imagery, the scent itself is very fragrant.
Its name is also a reference to the fact that this is a unisex scent, so the “Flora” might represent the feminine while “Mortis” represents the masculine. This is an edgy approach to labeling which matches the style of the brand to a T. The scent is undeniably floral from the smoky orchid, but it’s also enigmatic. The woody scent from amberwood and black pepper evokes a sensual trail fit for the powerful man.
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Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau de Toilette
If it isn’t readily apparent from the French name (which literally translates into “the man”) and male body-shaped bottle (complete with a genital bulge) that it comes in, the remarkable masculine fragrance from Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau de Toilette radiates power, strength, and overall male sexual virility.
It’s a fresh scent with Bergamot and mint notes that are blended together with lavender, cinnamon, and orange blossom. These more floral notes are all combined on top of an earthy and woody base of sandalwood, cedarwood, and vanilla. The scent created is sensual, familiar, and very much comforting.
Tobacco Absolute Eau de Parfum, 100ml
The Tobacco Absolute EDP is a woody fragrance that introduced the olfactory senses to complex blended notes of tobacco, enigmatic ginger, and cedarwood. This synergistic concoction of fragrances is packaged in a small glass flacon that is stoppered by a unique resin cap.
Other fragrance notes that come through include wine accords, violet, orris, patchouli, Peruvian balsam, and nutmeg.
This EDP from Molton Brown is cruelty-free and is marketed as vegan without ingredients of animal origin. This Eau de Parfum also comes with a collectible pouch. If you use up all of the EDP, you can also get your empty flacon refilled in-store.
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White Musk® Sport Eau de Toilette
The White Musk Sport EDT is a fresh and citrusy fragrance that’s awesome for the active man. The mix produces an uplifting scent that is layered. Not only does it feature the zesty fruit notes of grapefruit and lemon, but it also exudes notes of amber. All these essences are combined with the iconic White Musk Sport essence to create this unique sporty scent. The brand also points out that their musk is cruelty-free.
Penhaligon’s Roaring Radcliffe
Penhaligon’s Roaring Radcliffe isn’t just a masculine scent; it’s the smell of a man’s man. With this fragrance on, it’s as if everyone who gets a whiff gets transported back to a time when men were still men. It radiates debauchery, strength, and power with its rum and tobacco mix. To soften the blend, just a tad, it also has some tones of honey and ginger that adds to its overall sexiness. With this on, you won’t ever have any excuse to not be bold ever again. This is manly confidence in a bottle. Wear this for important meetings or on a night out.
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Tom Ford Beau de Jour
Tom Ford Beau de Jour is classic and rebellious. It doesn’t shy away from breaking the rules and going its own way. The masculine fragrance that emanates from this potion is fresh, warm, and deep. The scent commands attention. People cannot help but notice the ideal blend of this layered scent. This is perfect for the well-groomed gentleman who wants the world to see his best side. It’s woody, floral, minty, and cool. The deep layers include lavender, African rosemary, floral green, oakmoss, basil, patchouli, and amber.
GUERLAIN L’Homme Idéal Eau de Parfum, 100ml
GUERLAIN L’Homme Idéal Eau de Parfum has the manly scent down just right. This EDP is a blend of almond, leather, and vanilla – creating a mysterious yet very captivating scent. It’s a scent that seduces as much as it intrigues. This strong and tantalizing scent has a woody oriental base note, which creates an air of power, confidence, and overall masculine energy. Wear this when you need that extra boost when you’re with a date or when you just want to be “The Ideal Man.”
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Frederic Malle Carnal Flower
Frederic Malle Carnal Flower is not playing any games. This appropriately named fragrance blend of floral and musk is absolutely carnal. It’s not gun-shy about being seductive and sexy. In fact, it is the fresh flowery scent that opens, but it’s the lusty aura of the tuberose that delivers the killshot. By wearing this scent, you’re sure to tap into the elusive powers of just plain animal magnetism. Other notes included in this aggressive, yet very inviting scent are jasmine, eucalyptus, and coconut.
Dior Sauvage Parfum
Dior Sauvage Parfum is literally savage! It is chockfull of warm spices and bergamot tones. Sauvage teases the senses but then delivers with a welcome knockout punch. Dior has created a scent that’s mysterious, fresh, sexy, and original. It’s a special fragrance that can only come from Dior.
If you believe the corporate branding, legend has it that the inspiration for the Sauvage came to the perfumer in twilight while he was in the desert. This might seem trippy, but it does explain the exotic tones of frankincense, bergamot, and tonka as well as the woody base.
Chanel Bleu de Chanel
Chanel Bleu de Chanel has made a very pleasant manly scent that’s invigorating and energizing. You can say that it’s an eclectic mix of notes that work well together to create this enticing aroma. The woody base tone carries the cool, spicy, floral, and citrusy notes to produce a masculine fragrance that’s perfect for the man who knows how to get things done. It’s earthy, and yet it is extremely exotic. Lemon, incense, ginger, mint, cedar, and tonka bean are the key notes, but it is mainly a woody fragrance.
Hugo Boss BOSS Bottled Eau de Toilette, 100ml
No matter how much the modern definition of a man has changed, Hugo Boss has not wavered in how they define a true man. The true gentleman is dressed to impress, driven, ambitious, and competitive to a fault. His goal is always primed toward his success. BOSS is the bottled essence of the man, and wearing it will do you good. It’s a blend of top notes of apple and spicy cinnamon and geranium but over a woody base note of sandalwood, vetiver, and cedar. Wear this scent daily as your armor when you’re out there fighting to reach the top.
Ralph Lauren Polo Blue (EDP)
Ralph Lauren Polo Blue is arguably the best men’s fragrance they’ve ever produced. It’s a scent that evokes feelings of a clear summer day with blue skies and clear waters. It’s fresh and limitless. It conjures up memories and images of freedom with the marine base with top notes of suede, sea, bergamot, verbena, and vetiver. Think of it this way: Polo Blue is like a fresh sea breeze that lifts you up during the best sunny summer day. Just a whiff of the stuff puts a smile on anyone’s face – it’s that engrossing and familiar.
Calvin Klein Eternity for Men (EDP)
Here is another classic on this list of the best men’s fragrances. It seems this iconic scent has been around for, well, an eternity and yet it has retained its appeal all throughout the years. Calvin Klein isn’t taking any chances though; they have opted to update the original, and with the update comes a powerful and very sophisticated scent that you can wear daily. The change is mainly the addition of a woody note. The top notes include sage and apple that’s blended well with cypress and warm geranium. This newly updated Eternity is truly a compelling fragrance perfect for the gentleman.
Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt (Perfume Oil)
This perfume radiates a woody base with spicy notes, and because of this, it may be mistaken for a winter-wear scent. This couldn’t be farther from the truth since it thrives in the springtime as well, but the thing is that if you like the scent, and you will, there will be no one to stop you from wearing it all year round. The people around you will probably compliment you for it. The dominant base tones include cedarwood and sandalwood, which is then supplemented with a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg as well as a vetiver note that adds an earthiness to the perfume.
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò
This Giorgio Armani entry on this list of the best perfumes for men is well ahead of its competition. Acqua di Giò is inspired by the sea that brings up memories and feelings reminiscent of summer. The refreshing aroma floats and caresses the olfactory senses. It’s pure, exotic, and intoxicating. It has a woody and citrusy base that gives way to a sensual blend of aquatic mix with jasmine, rock rose, persimmon, neroli, green tangerine, and calabrian bergamot. Choose Acqua di Giò as your daily wear and watch as heads turn your way whenever you pass by.
Prada L’Homme
Prada L’Homme introduces the world to an uplifting and fresh scent made for men. This fragrance works on a woody base of amber, patchouli, and cedar. It is this foundation of woody fragrances that sets the stage for the sweet notes to push through, such as those from neroli, violet, and iris. It is a scent that is soft, rounded, and rich, which is evocative of the perfect summer day that never ends.
Bergamote 22′ Eau de Parfum
Bergamote 22′ Eau de Parfum cannot be ignored. The mix of delicate aromas and strong wood notes creates a fragrance that is rather unique. The main bergamot fragrance dazzles as it is married to a host of sweet and fresh essences like orange blossom, petitgrain, and grapefruit as well as the flamboyance of musk and amber. For those who are so inclined, the manufacturer markets this scent as vegan and cruelty-free.
Gentleman Givenchy Eau de Toilette Spray, 50ml
Givenchy introduces an elegant masculine fragrance in Gentleman Givenchy. It plays between confidence and delicacy. It creates an air of daring and spontaneity. The woody-floral fougere captivates, especially since it features leather and patchouli base notes that are contrasted with pear, cardamom, orris, lavender, and black vanilla.