33 Best Smelling Colognes for Men

by Amir Bakian

If you want to smell amazing, you need to pick the perfect cologne. While plenty of options are available for sale, only a fraction of them get high marks from consumers across the board for their fragrance profiles. Ready to cut to the chase and find the top options on the market that actually smell as good as the company claims? After analyzing countless fragrances on the market, we’ve curated a guide to the 33 best smelling colognes for men.

1. Blu Atlas Atlantis

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Atlantis from premium brand Blu Atlas is the ultimate versatile fragrance. It is just as appropriate for work as it is for a night out on the town. After a single spritz, the crisp, citrusy eau de parfum will transport you to the lush jungles of Bali. The thrilling men’s cologne opens with notes of bergamot, lemon and blackcurrant, and then reveals apricot, peach, clary sage and lavender in the middle. This expertly blended fragrance ends on green and warm notes of oakmoss, orris, violet and ambrette seed. Atlantis is not only one of the best smelling colognes for men on the market – it also has one of the cleanest, highest-quality formulas. The vegan and cruelty-free fragrance is made without parabens, phthalates, preservatives or synthetic dyes.

2. Diptyque Tam Dao

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Parisian fragrance house Diptyque never disappoints when it comes to its selection of products, but one of the colognes that stands out is Tam Dao. Inspired by the holy forests of Indochina, this woody eau de toilette has a vibrant, velvety fragrance that we especially love for fall and winter.  Tam Dao has a green and floral start, with notes of cypress, myrtle and rose. In the middle, the woody aromas of cedar and sandalwood emerge. The decadence of the fragrance comes out in the warmer base notes, which include amber, white musk and spices.

3. D.S. & Durga Cowboy Grass

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Looking to get in touch with your inner cowboy? This American Wild West–inspired eau de parfum from D.S. & Durga is for you. The fresh, dry and grassy fragrance is particularly well suited for daily wear, as it’s appealing and pleasant without being overpowering. Cowboy Grass opens up with top notes of rosewood, wild thyme and bergamot, which create a citrusy and herbaceous aroma. The earthy scent continues in the middle, with notes of sagebrush and basil, as well as floral rose otto. At the base, notes of vetiver, ambergris and grass balance the EDP.

4. Acqua di Parma Colonia Essenza

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Of the wide variety of quality fragrances that Acqua di Parma offers, the one we always go back to is Colonia Essenza. This sophisticated yet laidback eau de cologne is clearly made to wear on a warm, sunny day, thanks to its bright woody and citrusy fragrance profile. The zesty aromas of this men’s fragrance come out in the top, with notes of lemon, bergamot, orange, grapefruit, mandarin, neroli and petitgrain. Middle notes include floral and earthy scents of clove, rosemary, rose, jasmine and lily of the valley. In order to bring a bit of depth to the light fragrance, the cologne is balanced by warmer notes of vetiver, patchouli, white musk and amber at the base.

5. Heretic Dirty Hinoki

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Dirty Hinoki is a unique fragrance that was made to not only smell incredible, but also to harness the power of aromatherapy to calm the mind. To create this woody eau de parfum, Heretic drew inspiration from the practice of forest bathing, a grounding experience that can decrease stress. Dirty Hinoki starts with top notes of cedar, nutmeg, pine, thyme and lemon for a spicy and woody opening. The middle notes include Japanese hinoki and cypress for an infusion of fresh forest scents. At the base, the fragrance is grounded by elemi, wormwood, ambrettolide, fir absolute, frankincense and balsam.

Bonus: Heretic fragrances are vegan and cruelty-free, and made without phthalates, parabens or synthetic dyes.

6. Tom Ford Black Orchid Parfum

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If you’re looking for a bold, sumptuous fragrance, it doesn’t get any better than Tom Ford’s Black Orchid. With a warm floral fragrance profile, this richly scented unisex parfum is as elegant as the all-gold bottle.  Black Orchid starts with notes of rum, black orchid and ylang-ylang, which are balanced by a base note of patchouli. While the intense scent may be too heavy for warmer weather, the deep fragrance is well suited for fall and winter wear.

7. Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense

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Another one of the best smelling colognes for men looking for a rich, captivating scent is Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense from London-based Jo Malone, which is a leader in the fragrance industry. This cologne has a uniquely smoky and mysterious aroma that we especially love for frigid winter days and romantic evening dates. Oud & Bergamot has a spicy and warm fragrance profile, but starts on a brighter note with top aromas of citrusy orange and bergamot. Dry and woody cedarwood creates the middle layer of the fragrance, while bold and resinous oud finishes off the cologne.

8. Dolce & Gabbana The One

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Masculine and daring are the words to describe this eau de parfum from fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. The striking cologne has a warm and spicy fragrance profile, perfect for fall and winter wear. After the first spritz, The One opens up with refreshing and subtly spicy notes of grapefruit, basil and coriander. The complex cologne then reveals notes of sweet orange blossom, as well as zingy ginger and cardamom. What truly makes this fragrance shine are the rich base notes. Woody cedarwood and sultry amber are expertly layered with tobacco, which adds a smoky scent.

9. Celine Black Tie

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The ultimate finishing touch to any outfit is an incredible cologne, and it doesn’t get any better than Celine’s Black Tie. This eau de parfum was created with the elegant, fashion-forward man in mind, and has a well-rounded sweet and woody fragrance profile. Black Tie features decadent notes of vanilla and musk, which add an inviting warmth to the fragrance, making it one of the best smelling colognes on the market. These are paired with powdery white orris butter, and balanced by earthy and woody tree moss and cedar. Because of its warm and full-bodied fragrance profile, we recommend this cologne for cooler weather.

10. 19-69 La Habana

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Let the sweet smokiness of La Habana from 19-69 transport you to Cuba in the mid-1900s. The 19-69 perfumers took inspiration from cigars and rum to create this unique ambery and aromatic eau de parfum, which lingers on the skin all day long. La Habana starts with fresh aldehyde and saffron, which are layered with middle notes of resinous elemi and smoky incense. The richness of the eau de parfum comes out in the base notes, which include sweet and warm vanilla absolute, ambroxan, caramel, Laotian oud, golden stone and amber balsam resinoid.

11. Scotch Porter Badlands

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Looking for a nature-driven cologne that matches your adventurous spirit? If so, you’ll want to take a look at Badlands. This Scotch Porter eau de parfum was inspired by South Dakota’s Badlands National Park, and has an earthy aroma that will immediately transport you to the great outdoors. Badlands opens with zesty bergamot, grapefruit and fresh Gurjum balsam. Middle notes include verbena, lotus and incense, which are joined by musk, oakmoss and Haitian vetiver at the base. This cologne is also vegan and cruelty-free, and made without parabens, dyes or phthalates.

12. Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club

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If your perfect relaxing evening involves enjoying a whiskey at a dimly lit speakeasy-style bar, Maison Margiela’s Jazz Club was made for you. The spicy cologne is richly scented, with a complex array of warm and inviting fragrance notes. This eau de toilette also has impressive staying power, and will linger on the skin all day long. Jazz Club starts with brighter top notes that contrast with the deeper notes in the middle and base layers, which include pink pepper, lemon and neroli oil. In the middle, notes of rum absolute, clary sage oil and Java vetiver oil are joined by the smoky and sweet notes of tobacco leaf and vanilla bean at the base.

13. Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory

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With a name like Invictus Victory, you know this Paco Rabanne cologne is anything but subtle. It has a complex yet well-balanced fragrance profile that is masculine and bold. The spicy eau de parfum is layered with both fresh and warm notes, making it a versatile scent that is a suitable option for year-round wear. Invictus Victory opens with bright notes of pink pepper and lemon. In the middle, incense and lavender add a smoky and green layer. As the fragrance dries down, warm and rich notes of amber and tonka bean linger on the skin.

14. DedCool Red Dakota

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DedCool playfully refers to Red Dakota as the “certified hot person scent,” and we couldn’t agree more. The unisex eau de parfum has a fresh citrusy and fruity fragrance that is balanced by woody amber notes. Red Dakota starts with top notes of clementine and gardenia, which are joined by amber and woods in the middle. At the base of the fragrance, a note of wild berries adds a fruity punch. Of course, we also love that the formula is vegan and cruelty-free, and made without harmful preservatives, parabens or phthalates.

15. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris L’Homme à la Rose

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This Maison Francis Kurkdjian eau de parfum takes the classic rose scent – which is traditionally a feminine fragrance note – and adds a boldly masculine twist. The green, floral and woody fragrance will add a burst of freshness to your grooming routine, and is ideal for wear during the spring and summer. L’Homme à la Rose begins with damascena rose, which is joined by grapefruit accord. In the middle, amber wood accord is partnered with herbaceous clary sage oil. Another layer of rose is included in the base with centifolia rose, which is joined by cistus labdanum.

16. Krigler Sylt Style

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If you’re willing to spend big for an amazing fragrance, take a look at Krigler’s Sylt Style. Inspired by the German island Sylt, this parfum has a silky and woody fragrance profile that is absolutely irresistible. Sylt Style includes spicy notes of black pepper, cypriol, pink pepper and ginger, which are balanced by the nuttiness of hazelnut and almond. Citrusy orange and earthy tree moss add lightness to the fragrance, while incense, amber and vanilla layer in a rich depth. While the price tag is high, keep in mind that this cologne is super concentrated, which gives it incredible longevity.

17. Montblanc Legend

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A modern yet timeless cologne that should be on every man’s radar is Legend by Montblanc. The eau de toilette has an aromatic and fruity scent that immediately exudes confidence and charisma. Legend begins with fresh and bright notes of pineapple leaves, Italian bergamot and French lavandin. After these top notes settle, floral and woody notes of geranium, rose, evernyl and jasmine shine in the middle. In order to bring depth and warmth to the profile, the EDT is finished off with tonka bean and sandalwood at the base.

18. Mancera Red Tobacco

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Mancera’s Red Tobacco may not be quite as famous as other recommendations on the list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of attention. It’s artfully crafted with a range of notes that create a warm, spicy and unbelievably alluring fragrance profile. With such a rich and mysterious scent, it’s the perfect eau de parfum for date night. At the very top, Red Tobacco opens up with smoky, spicy and slightly fruity notes, including cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, incense, green apple, white peach and Nepalese oud. The intricate fragrance is joined by patchouli leaves and jasmine in the middle. Staying true to its name, the cologne finishes with tobacco at the base, which is joined by amber, vetiver, vanilla pods and white musk.

19. Tom Ford Ombré Leather

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Another Tom Ford fragrance that is equally as intoxicating as Black Orchid is Ombré Leather. The luxurious parfum has a woody and warm fragrance profile that is creatively injected with freshness, thanks to the addition of floral notes. The top notes of Ombré Leather include cedarwood and violet leaf, which are layered with orris and jasmine in the middle. As the parfum develops on the skin, rich and smoky notes of green tobacco and leather emerge, creating an alluring aroma.

20. Carolina Herrera Bad Boy

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The playful lightning-strike bottle isn’t the only factor that draws us to Carolina Herrera’s Bad Boy. This date-night-worthy eau de toilette is packed with warm and spicy notes that are expertly layered to create a bold and exciting scent. Bad Boy starts with black and white pepper, which are joined by crisp Italian green bergamot. Cedarwood, vetiver and clary sage add an earthy element in the middle, while cacao, tonka bean and amber inject a burst of warmth and spice at the base.

21. Maison Margiela Replica At the Barber’s

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If Jazz Club isn’t your style, another Maison Margiela scent that may pique your interest is At the Barber’s. Inspired by a visit to a classic barber shop, this citrusy and woody eau de toilette will make you feel clean and refreshed after just one spray. At the Barber’s opens with bitter orange leaf oil, black pepper essence and basil accord for a green and fresh start. The middle features notes of rosemary, lavender and geranium, adding an invigorating herby layer to the cologne. Subtle warmth emerges in the base notes, which include tonka bean, white musk and evernyl.

22. Trudon Mortel

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This spicy eau de parfum from Trudon is an ideal choice for the man who wants to add a touch of luxury to his grooming routine. While it has a warm fragrance profile, it still has the versatility to be worn year-round. Mortel starts off strong with spicy notes of pimento, black pepper and nutmeg. In the middle, Somali frankincense is joined by mystikal, while resin, cistus and myrrh round out the fragrance at the base.

23. Le Labo Another 13

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If you’re after a showstopping cologne, you’ll want to take a look at what luxury fragrance house Le Labo has to offer. While there’s no shortage of amazing colognes, one of our favorites is the unisex Another 13, a crisp, expertly crafted eau de parfum that is suitable for just about any occasion. Another 13 begins with fruity notes of pear, apple and citrus, which are joined by jasmine petals, moss and ambrette in the middle, all of which add an earthy element. Wood and musky ambroxan add a final warm touch at the base. Like all Le Labo fragrances, this one gets bonus points for being vegan and cruelty-free.

24. AllSaints Sunset Riot

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Sunset Riot from AllSaints is worthy of being a signature scent that you can wear daily. This woody and floral unisex eau de parfum mixes masculine and feminine elements to create an irresistible fragrance that is just as classic as the minimalist, sleek bottle it comes in. This AllSaints fragrance starts with spicy pink pepper, which is joined by fresh and subtly floral orange flower in the middle. To bring some earthy woodiness to the eau de parfum, AllSaints finished the formula off with cedarwood at the base.

25. Dior Fahrenheit

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Turn up the heat with Dior’s Fahrenheit. This sensual eau de toilette balances fresh and warm notes for a classic yet bold fragrance that will immediately grab the attention of anyone you meet. Fahrenheit is centered around citrusy and fresh Sicilian mandarin, which is grounded by notes of leather and violet accord. This thoughtfully crafted cologne is supported by lighter notes of bergamot and honeysuckle, which are harmoniously blended with warmer, earthy notes of sandalwood, nutmeg, patchouli and tonka bean.

26. Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb

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Ever since it was introduced to the market, Spicebomb has been one of the most popular men’s colognes of all time – and for good reason. As the name not so subtly indicates, this eau de toilette offers a burst of spicy warmth the minute it hits the skin. It’s undeniably masculine and incredibly bold. Viktor & Rolf’s cologne contrasts the spiciness of the fragrance profile by starting with zesty top notes of bergamot and grapefruit, which are partnered with pink pepper. These notes are layered on top of cinnamon, saffron, chili, sage and roasted almonds. At the base, aged leather, tobacco and vetiver ground the rich scent.

27. Prada Luna Rossa Black

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If you’re looking for a cologne that conveys strength, power and masculinity, Luna Rossa Black from Prada is worth a look. The array of woody and spicy notes creates a vibrant eau de parfum that we highly recommend for the fall and winter. Luna Rossa Black starts off with top notes of bergamot and angelica, which are partnered with patchouli in the middle. The intense cologne becomes warmer as it settles, revealing amber wood, musk and coumarin at the base.

28. Henry Rose Dark Is Night

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We’re always thrilled to find colognes that are made with clean ingredients and smell incredible, so Henry Rose’s Dark Is Night immediately captured our attention. This sensual unisex eau de parfum is decadent and woody. Even better, it’s hypoallergenic and made without parabens or phthalates. Dark Is Night has a fresh earthy start, with a top note of green grass. Notes of vetiver and freesia quickly emerge as the fragrance develops on the skin. The inviting warmth of the eau de parfum comes through in the base, which features notes of patchouli and sweet vanilla bean.

29. Versace Eros

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It may not be the newest cologne on the block, but Eros by Versace continues to be one of our all-time favorite fragrances. This eau de toilette will pique the interest of any man looking for an expertly crafted woody and fresh cologne that can be worn year-round. Versace’s Eros starts with top notes that are as vibrant as the bright blue and gold accented bottle. Italian lemon and mandarin add a citrusy layer, working alongside candied apple and mint. Middle notes of ambermax, geranium flower and clary sage play against warm base notes of vetiver, cedarwood, vanilla, patchouli and sandalwood.

30. Zadig & Voltaire This Is Him!

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Zadig & Voltaire’s This Is Him! strikes the ideal balance between being playful and being masculine and grounded. The warm, spicy eau de toilette has quickly become one of our go-to picks for fall and winter. This Zadig & Voltaire fragrance opens up with citrusy grapefruit and spicy black pepper, which are joined by smoky incense and sweet vanilla in the middle. At the base, sandalwood adds a woody layer to the eau de toilette, helping to create a well-rounded fragrance.

31. Byredo Mister Marvelous

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You can never go wrong with a fragrance from Byredo, which is one of the leaders in the world of luxury fragrances. While it’s certainly a splurge, we can’t get enough of Mister Marvelous, a woody and citrusy eau de parfum. This cologne is unique, but still feels like a classic that can be worn on a daily basis. At first spray, you’ll notice crisp and energizing notes of mandarin leaves, bergamot and neroli flower. As these aromas settle, the freshness of the cologne continues in the middle, which features notes of green lavender and bamboo. Woody and warm notes of black amber and white cedarwood round out the eau de parfum at the base.

32. Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla

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Luxury colognes are great, but there’s nothing better than finding a budget-friendly fragrance that smells amazing. If you’d prefer not to drop a ton of cash, you’ll want to try Spice & Black Vanilla from Cremo, a wood-forward eau toilette with excellent longevity that’s especially suitable for fall and winter weather. The Cremo cologne brings in the spice at the very top, with a note of cardamom. This fragrance heats up in the middle with cashmere wood, which adds muskiness to the fragrance profile. As it settles, base notes of rich bourbon vanilla and vetiver add an inviting, warm depth to the cologne.

33. Le Labo Thé Noir 29

Let’s finish the list with another of our favorite Le Labo picks: Thé Noir 29. This vegan and cruelty-free eau de parfum has a bold fragrance profile that is lightened up by fresher, earthier notes. Like all Le Labo fragrances, it has a unique, artfully crafted scent that is unexpected but always pleasing. The well-rounded cologne is just as appropriate for the heat of the summer as it is for the dead of winter. This striking unisex cologne begins with top notes of fig, bergamot and bay leaves, which are responsible for the lightness of the fragrance. Depth is added in the middle notes, which include cedarwood, musk and vetiver. Tobacco and hay round out the eau de parfum at the base, adding a dry earthiness.

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Presented by: Sophia Edwards

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1 comment

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Miguel peña December 25, 2022 - 1:39 AM

Very good I like to have it

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