Every new year is a chance to be the best version of yourself. It’s a chance to discover more about you; find something that makes you special and unique. Whether it’s how we dress, how we style our hair, or the fragrances we choose, our personal grooming decisions impact how we view ourselves. No fret, though, if you have yet to find your go-to scent. We’ve rounded up 15 of the best perfumes for men of 2023 so you can find the perfect fragrance for you. Happy smelling and happy new year!
1. Blu Atlas Atlantis Eau De Parfum
Blu Atlas kills it in the personal care game. If you haven’t heard of the brand that has been dominating headlines, allow us to do you a favor. Blu Atlas is grooming for the modern man. It’s the brand you’ve been dreaming would exist. Made in New York, Blu Atlas’ products are clean, vegan, and free of toxic chemicals that you don’t want in your body. They even have a Medical Advisory Board consisting of board-certified dermatologists and other healthcare professionals, so you can trust that Blu Atlas’ products are the safest for you and your body.
Now, back to the good stuff. 2023 should be your best year. You should feel like the best version of yourself and you can do that with one of the best perfumes for men of 2023. Blu Atlas Atlantis Eau de Parfum is the definition of masculinity. This rich, sexy, and sleek cocktail of coastal and jungle notes will give you the confidence to be bigger and bolder this year. Say yes to adventures, with luscious scents of bergamot, lemon, and blackcurrant that caress your nose on the first whiff.
Luckily, for you, it gets better. Lavender, clary sage, peach, and apricot invite you further—taking you deep into the Bali jungle. To finish your wanderlust-inspired trip—orris, oak moss, ambrette seed, and musk pack the final punch, leaving you smelling like a sultry adventurer. 2023 is for the men who seek bigger heights and those who aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty. 2023 is for Blu Atlas, and Blu Atlas is for you.
2. Aqua di Gio Giorgio Armani Pour Homme
Giorgio Homme is one of the most respected, beloved brands out there. You know you’re getting quality fragrances when you buy from them. Since 2023 will be your best year (we just know it), you deserve a perfume that will be with you every step of the way.
Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme is fresh, air, and light perfume. It’s for the men who prefer subtleness, who don’t want to make a scene. We understand—everyone has their preference. Don’t mistake subtleness with mediocrity. This perfume is infused with the market’s richest, sweetest fragrance notes. Splashes of Calabrian bergamot swirl together with neroli and green tangerine, creating a sophisticated blend of masculinity. As the perfume develops, you will be greeted with aquatic touches of rosemary, sweet persimmon, and warm Indonesian patchouli that tie the whole thing together. Earthy, woody, and aquatic. Acqua Di Gio is your scent if you want to spend your days smelling like a posh, beach getaway.
3. Polo Ralph Lauren Blue Eau de Toilette
Every man knows Ralph Lauren. It’s, quite literally, the definition of masculinity and elegance. Ralph Lauren understands what it’s like to adapt to the ever-changing times. Somehow, the brand remains relevant and modern, while still digging deep in its vintage roots.
Since 2023 is the year of growth, rebirth, and—maybe—rebranding, Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Eau de Toilette can accompany you on this glorious journey. Very few men’s perfumes last as cult favorites as long as Polo Blue has because you just can’t beat perfection. This zesty blend of sultriness will motivate you to be your best self. With top notes of juicy tangerines, bold melon, crispy cucumber, and rich pepper—your nose will be pleasantly overwhelmed with the blend. Once Polo Blue develops deeper, you will be met with geranium, basil, suede, sage, oak, and patchouli. It’s full of intensity, yet it isn’t overpowering. You can wear this fragrance for almost any occasion—daily use or for those special date nights. Set sail into 2023 being carefree and whimsical, bold and brave. Be Polo Blue.
4. Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette
If there has ever been a men’s perfume that is the literal definition of wealth, class, and richness—it’s Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette. If the gold brick bottle wasn’t enough to convince you this fragrance means business, allow us to give you the rundown.
As one of our favorites—and one of the best perfumes for men of 2023—this scent is full of wonder and intensity. Sexy aromas—like amber leather—will instantly take your breath away. It’s raw and bold, making your nose want more. The fragrance deepens into a complex blend of juicy mandarin, chilling peppermint, pink cinnamon, white wood, and patchouli. These lively notes create one of the best fragrances for men. One whiff and you’ll feel like the man you desire to be: rich, refined, and sophisticated. This is an absolute must-have for 2023 if you want your year to be filled with prosperity and elegance. Plus, this fragrance is to-die-for, so you can’t lose either way.
5. Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
Chanel doesn’t need any introduction. Unless you’ve been living under a rock your entire life, you have definitely heard of one of the most respectable fashion and fragrance houses of all time.
From Chanel No. 5 to Bleu de Chanel, there is something timeless and, yet, contemporary about the brand. We love Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum. It’s a deep, dynamic perfume for men that reveals its true self the longer you wear it. We believe that men’s fragrances should last all day, maybe even into the night. You’re paying big bucks, so why waste them? Bleu de Chanel does just that. With rich, fine ingredients—this perfume will blow away all of your expectations. Composed of fresh citrus, ambery cedar, woody tonka bean, sweet vanilla, and Caledonian sandalwood—this fragrance will take you to new heights. Bold, captivating, and unexpected—just like the man you are.
6. Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum
If you live in a colder climate, there is nothing worse than the winter months. It’s frigid—freezing. Unless you’re part of the minority who thrives in the cold (not us), you likely hate the cold months.
To keep you warm and cozy when the weather is less than pleasant, Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum is your best friend. Think of this fragrance like an inviting blanket; it’s here to envelop you with warm and woody notes, taking your mind off of the weather outside.Calabrian bergamot mysteriously invites you into the fragrance. It’s comforting and spicy, the perfect antidote to a freezing night. Exploring deeper into the scent, nutmeg with smoky vanilla absolute creates an invigorating blend of the magical twilight hour in the desert. For those days when you need an extra boost of comfort and warmth, Dior Sauvage is your little bottle of salvation.
7. Jimmy Choo Man Ice Eau de Toilette
Remember how we just said that most people don’t like the cold? Well, if you’re one of the few that thrive in the winter, we have the perfect—dare we say—a fragrance for you.
Jimmy Choo Man Ice Eau de Toilette is one of the best perfumes for men if you love all things cold. Sure, we don’t understand that love, but Jimmy Choo surely does. This chilling fragrance is equal parts ice cold and warm. It’s a blend of the best. With top notes of citron, bergamot, and mandarin orange—Ice will keep you dreaming of those luscious beaches on the chilliest days. Middle notes of apple, vetiver, cedar, and patchouli welcome your nose into the sexiest, cold cocktail around. To top of this frozen blend, musk and moss swirl together to remind you of lush, woody forests. Because if you love winter, you have to love forests, right?
8. Tom Ford Fucking Fabulous Eau de Parfum
The name speaks for itself. Tom Ford Fucking Fabulous Eau de Parfum is, well, fabulous. As the man himself has stated, “It‘s undeniably the most straightforward name for such a beautiful scent. Why make it complicated?”
We wholeheartedly agree. Why sift through hundreds of men’s perfumes with confusing fragrances, long titles, and boring packaging? This fabulously classy bottle is as simple as it gets. Warm, spicy leather tickles the nose, inviting you to smell this decadent scent further. Gourmand almond and iris heart fills you with joy, creating a unique blend of fragrances you’ve likely never smelled before. Floral orris accord, tonka bean, and sage top off this fabulous blend of fragrance, leaving you smelling like the fucking fabulous man you are. Add this iconic, matte bottle to your vanity. It’s sexy, sultry, and—you already know what we are going to say—fabulous.
9. Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau de Parfum
2023 is the year for the extreme. Have you always dreamt of skydiving? Do it. Wanted to go snorkeling with sharks? Book that trip. Whatever you have been dreaming of doing—it’s time to get it done.
Your companion throughout these epic journeys will be none other than Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau de Parfum. This intense, invigorating, and inviting fragrance is one of the best fragrances for men. It’s rich and raw; elegant and refined. There are very few men’s perfumes that can tick off all these boxes, but Spicebomb Extreme is one of them. Woody notes of cumin, cinnamon, saffron, tobacco, vanilla, and bourbon create a wonderful blend of—well—spicebomb. But don’t worry. Even though the name, aptly tilted extreme, sounds intense—you won’t smell like a middle school boy’s locker after gym class. This blend of extreme spice is masculine and luscious. It doesn’t make you cough or gag (hint, hint, some perfumes). Step up your game in 2023 and make it extreme.
10. Cartier Le Baiser Du Dragon Eau de Parfum
Most men familiar with horology, or even just 20th-century fashion, know Cartier as the luxury watchmaker behind the classic Tank watch designed after the primitive tanks found on WWI battlefields. The less-rounded tonneau wristwatch became ubiquitous among the wrists of celebrities and the world’s elite. Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and even President John F. Kennedy are just a few out of the many dozens known to consistently wear a Cartier Tank.
But you know what the one percent of the 20th century didn’t have? New fine Cartier fragrances are just as well designed as their watches and jewelry. Le Baiser du Dragon Eau de Parfum from Cartier is their oriental-inspired fragrance that will be celebrating its twentieth year on store shelves in 2023. Le Baiser du Dragon, or “kiss of the dragon” in English, is presented in a vintage rounded bottle emblazoned with the Chinese Shu’ symbol for good luck and longevity—which is exactly what this parfum has. It is both masculine and feminine, making it the perfect all-rounder fragrance that lasts you throughout the day. Key notes of patchouli, benzoin, vetiver, almond, iris, and amber make for a perfect unexpected twist on traditional fragrance notes not usually found together. We’re sure that’ll be a cologne still turning heads another 20 years from now.
11. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum Eau de Parfum
Among olfactory aficionados and cologne-buying support groups (we see you, hear you, and are there for you), Jean Paul Gaultier is referred to as the “man in a can” brand, and we’re sure you can see why. Le Male Le Parfum, like other fine fragrances from Jean Paul Gaultier, is bottled in the disembodied torso of a man from the thighs up and neck down. Now, we don’t know why that is, but for a fragrance called “Le Male,” we can’t think of a better presentation.
Le Male Le Parfum is the bottled essence of the freedom you experience on the open seas. Powerful, comforting, and you guessed it—masculine. The top note of cardamom is your first mate against rough seas. While the middle notes of lavender and iris make for great second and third mates, and the bottom note of vanilla that keeps everything afloat (in the olfactory sense) may as well be your chief engineer.Now that you’ve set sail on your scent-powered ship, you can familiarize yourself with the power of Le Male’s unique blend of oriental and woody scents. We think that Jean Paul Gaultier did an excellent job of creating a fragrance that is ultra-masculine without the headache and nausea-causing scents that other “masculine” colognes seem to accompany themselves with.
12. Calvin Klein Obsession For Men Eau de Toilette Spray
There’s no need to fluff up this next entry with pomp and circumstance. Calvin Klein Obsession for Men Eau de Toilette has been around for almost 40 years. So, at this point, it speaks for itself.
For those not in the know, Obsession has been adorning the necks, wrists, and everywhere else in between men since 1986. This oriental, woody fragrance is as intense, unforgettable, and sensual as the day it was released. Calvin Klein combines a provocative blend of botanicals, rare woods, and citrus like no other. The top notes of mandarin and bergamot invites the wearer—or passerbys—in before introducing them to the middle notes of lavender, myrrh, clove, nutmeg, and amber. And as the fragrance begins to say goodbye, it reveals the base of musk, sandalwood, and patchouli. Obsession makes for one heck of a first impression, and we see why it’s lined department store glass shelves for the better part of four decades. We think Obsession is perfect for office wear, running errands, and brief encounters. For everyone that comes in close, they’re bound to become as obsessed as we are with Calvin Klein Obsession. That’s why we think it’s one of the best perfumes for men.
13. Prada L’Homme Eau de Toilette
Everyone could stand to dress a little more Italian. However, wearing the historic fashion houses requires a lot of coins or an equal amount of patience while late-night eBay bidding. What a lot of men don’t know is that fragrances from said luxury Italian brands are downright democratic.
Fragrance offerings from all the famous fashion houses all over the world can usually be bought for less than $100—if not closer to $50 when on sale (unless it’s Tom Ford). So, while an outfit from Milan’s beloved Prada may ring up close to $5,000, their L’Homme Eau de Toilette can be frequently found for around a hundred. Which is a bargain compared to their $1,000 t-shirts. L’Homme Prada’s modern amber fragrance is sensual and distinctive in a sea of samey colognes and perfumes. Top notes of iris and amber combine with the middle note of neroli before finishing with the base notes of geranium and patchouli. Simple and few ingredients are used wisely and sparingly to not fill a room the size of a gymnasium right when you walk in. This makes for a sophisticated and intimate fragrance fit more for late-night dinners with close friends, rather than clubbing until dawn breaks. We think its reinterpretation of these classic ingredients makes L’Homme Prada one of the best perfumes for men.
14. Hugo Boss Boss Tonic Eau de Toilette
Famously known for their suits, the German fashion house could correctly be responsible for the evolution of men’s suits throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. As time goes on, the suit evolves and Hugo Boss plays a significant role in its evolution. However, we think the suit is the only thing they should be known for.
A lot of the big-name international fashion houses and brands have signature fragrances. Those fragrances either originate organically within the brand’s olfactory and perfumery departments, or a team is explicitly hired to create a fragrance because the brand feels like they have to have perfumes and colognes. Hugo Boss’s fragrances definitely feel like the former. Hugo Boss Boss Tonic Eau de Toilette is the brand’s first fresh fragrance. As an oriental citrus & woods scent, it is perfect for spring and summer outings. It is masculine, yet airy and energetic. Notes of vibrant citrus and apple highlight the top notes while tonic ginger and cinnamon create a resounding middle note before getting to the base notes of sensual woods. Spring walks through the garden and golden summer evenings. Boss Tonic is the perfect choice to focus on the moment.
15. BVLGARI Man in Black Eau de Parfum
Do you remember Westworld? The old movie turned TV series that was definitely only one season (alright, maybe two seasons)? Anyway, there was a character simply referred to as the Man in Black. He was mysterious, powerful, and intelligently masculine. Well, if you ever wanted to connect with your inner Man in Black, Bvlgari couldn’t have made it easier with their Man in Black Eau de Parfum.
This irresistible and seductive cologne invokes a sensual, yet masculine, feeling that feels equally modern as it does ancient. This makes sense if you know Bvlgari’s 130-year-old history of pairing modern designs with the richness of 2,700 years of Roman history from their native Italy. Man in Black Eau de Parfum represents that very expertise. Bvlgari says it is “classic, yet contemporary” and we tend to agree. It feels right at home at a Paris fashion show as it does in the Tuscan countryside. Notes of vibrant spices, amber rum accord, tuberose flower essence, leather accord, benzoin, tonka bean accord, and guaiac wood create an ambery spicy aroma that is bound to leave a lasting impression. Perfect for weekend getaways, date nights, and a few rounds with the guys.
Perfume and Cologne FAQ
The world of perfume and cologne can be confusing. There are so many fragrances, names, and types of perfumes. If you’re new to the perfume game, here is a quick cheat sheet to give you some insight.
Perfume or Parfum
Perfume or Parfum has the highest concentration of oils or perfume extract. The ratio generally equates to 20 to 30% of oils in the fragrance blend. Because of the higher concentration, these types of fragrances are pricier. Parfums are heavier, last longer, and are oilier. If you have sensitive skin, this is the perfect fragrance type for you since it contains less alcohol, which can be irritating.
Eau de Perfume or Eau de Parfum
Eau de Perfume or Eau de Parfum is blended with around 15 to 20% essential oils or perfume extract. Depending on your skin type, this concentration can last from six to eight hours. Eau de Parfum is less expensive because it contains less perfume extract, opting for more alcohol and water in the blend.
Eau de Toilette
Eau de Toilette is a great compromise for people who want an amazing fragrance without breaking the bank. These types of fragrances, surprisingly, are the most popular. These fragrances contain around 5 to 15% essential oil or perfume extract. Eau de Toilettes can last from two to four hours but are great at reapplying throughout the day. However, because Eau de Toilettes have low essential oils and high alcohol percentage, the scent doesn’t last as long as you’d like.
Eau de Cologne
If you are not keen on heavy fragrances but still want to smell good, Eau de Cologne may be the best choice for you. Eau de Cologne is one of the lightest blends, ranging from 2 to 4% essential oil or perfume extract. Eau de Cologne generally lasts around two hours, which means you need to reapply the fragrance. However, because Eau de Colognes are pretty affordable, you won’t be hurting your wallet with each spray.
Eau Fraiche
Eau Fraiche is the least concentrated fragrance. It’s the most diluted, containing only around 1 to 3% of perfume extract or essential oil. Since it’s generally only blended with water, the scent only lasts an hour and requires constant reapplication. If you don’t want the hassle of having to reapply the product, you may opt for another fragrance. However, if you want the lightest fragrance possible, Eau Fraiche is the choice for you.
Perfume Oils
Most people have never heard of perfume oils. They are not as popular as the other fragrances on the list, but they are still worth mentioning. Perfume oils are based on pure oil. This means there is no water or alcohol in the blends. Each batch of perfume oil is different, meaning the percentage of fragrance in each bottle can vary. However, most will have an essential oil ratio of up to 20%. Perfume oils are great if you truly want a long-lasting and powerful fragrance. Because of the higher concentration, they are more expensive but we think they are worth the investment in the long run.
Presented by: Sophia Edwards.
12 comments
This is a comprehensive and educative piece. The science and art of perfumery are combined to make an interesting and convincing read. Wearing perfumes is truely an intergral aspect of fashion and style.
This is a very well written and insightful article. Love how author include many up-to-date perfumes and also fragrances suits both Youngs and Matures.
What a good taste of perfumes and how do one order online?
Hi, I’m in Kampala Uganda, I would like to order for both men and women best but not so expensive perfumes.
Thanks
Interesante, he aprendido algunos datos nuevos sobre perfumes.
I need highly oil concentrated perfume that can last most of the day.I want to spoil myself.I can spend plus R 3000
I need it,, from were can I bought?
I want to see more
V Dreamer is a livee…
Versace Dreamer is a livee…
BVL GARI is the way to go. I bought mine at Truworths Elements. Also you’ve missed out on Channel King. Then I see that you’re no longer having Caligraphy in store. Then followed by Polo Classic the green bottle.
How can we get these in Ethiopia?