Need some help finding the best men’s cologne?
A fragrance is a huge part of your character and personal style and it can have a staggering impact on how people see you and remember you.
A great cologne is a magical thing and has the power to make you feel more attractive, less stressed, and more confident. And that’s why we had to bring you the best men’s colognes for 2022.
Cologne definitions to help you out
- Parfum – the most concentrated of old fragrances. The scent is 20 – 30% pure perfume and one application can last all day long.
- Eau de Toilette – Lighter than perfume and contains between 5-15% of pure perfume essences which have been dissolved in alcohol. Wearing time varies between two and four hours.
- Cologne – this is a generic form that refers to any kind of masculine scent. Containing 2 – 4% perfume oils, this one typically lasts for a few hours.
- Sillage – the degree to which a fragrance lingers in the air when worn.
- Notes – Top notes will hit immediately and only last for a few minutes after applying the cologne. Middle notes stick around for about 60 minutes and the base notes are the sweet scents that float around you for between 2 – 12 hours depending on the quality of the cologne.
Our favorite men’s colognes for 2022
Nautica Voyage
The popularity of Nautica Voyage has been staggering! This cologne has become a firm favorite by both men and women alike. Nautica was founded in 1983 and over the last three decades has become one of the most recognized American brands in the world.
Nautica’s Voyage fragrance conjures up images of a fresh sea breeze carrying herbal and woody scents. Notes include apple, cedar, musk, and amber. We love that this one is not overpowering when applied but usually keeps you smelling tip-top for a full working day.
If you are hunting for a very masculine fragrance developed to release desire and passion, Versace’s Eros is one of the best men’s colognes.
Gianni Versace Eros
Gianni Versace’s Eros is a hugely popular entry in our list of top men’s colognes for 2017. He famously built his fashion Empire with the goddess Medusa as the brand’s logo and this cologne has been named after the Greek god of love “Eros” (see the running theme?) and is the first fragrance in five years to be aimed at men.
The incredible and distinctive aroma includes Italian lemon, Venezuelan ambroxan, and a hint of geranium flowers. This cologne is perfect for a strong and passionate man who knows what he wants and more importantly how to get it!
This sexy fragrance continues to be one of the top sellers due to its wide appeal to both men and their lovers!
Davidoff Cool Water
Davidoff’s Cool Water is a stone-cold classic. Launched in 1988, Cool Water is a more subtle cologne that doesn’t overpower your buddies and goes great with Davidoff’s own deodorant.
For the money, Davidoff’s Cool Water is a steal! Including notes of min lavender, rosemary and coriander, this fragrance has a very simple but masculine scent.
Davidoff has also released a new version called “Night Dive” which would make a great alternative for its thousands of devoted wearers.
Calvin Klein Obsession
CK’s Obsession made its first appearance in 1986 (about one year after its female counterpart). This spicy cologne is a blend of botanicals and rare woods. The notes include mandarin, lavender, myrrh, musk, and sandalwood.
The scent lasts a long time according to its fans and is a big favorite thanks to its high sillage rating (the degree to which the fragrance lingers in the air when worn.)
Paco Rabanne 1 million
Paco Rabanne 1 million hit the shelves in 2008 and has received rave reviews ever since. Notes include blood orange, cinnamon, mint, leather, wood, and spice which have created a complex and luxurious scent.
This amazing cologne was developed by three famous perfumers and each beautifully designed bottle is separately numbered as a limited edition.
The smell of Paco Rabanne 1 Million is a wonderful aroma and still goes strong 8 – 10 hours after application.
The awesome scent, beautiful bottle, and limited edition status make this one of our favorite gifts for that man in your life.
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb
In 2005 Viktor & Rolf launched the “Flowerbomb”. The Flowerbomb was for the ladies but now the men can get their very own version in the form of Spicebomb.
You have to smell it to believe it as the Spicebomb mixes together three elements of scent. The first is the spiciness of chili and saffron. The second is the masculinity of leather and tobacco. And the third is the zestiness of bergamot and grapefruit.
We love the beautifully designed bottle that looks like a hand grenade. This is another cologne that makes an amazing gift for the more discerning gentlemen.
Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit
Yves Saint Laurent continues to be one of the most influential designers on the planet. YSL has become synonymous with excitement, individuality, and a completely fresh, inspired point of view.
The new cologne La Nuit is aimed at the more sophisticated fella. The scents have been described by experts as full of contrasts. Notes include cardamom, lavender, cedar, and cumin.
The longevity of this cologne is very good with most wearers reporting still smelling great after 8-10 hours. The sillage is moderate so you won’t so you won’t annoy everyone while sitting in the bar with your buddies.
Christian Dior Sauvage
Christian Dior Sauvage has a radically fresh smell. All-natural ingredients have been lovingly crafted to bring us an elegant and refined cologne. Designed by in-house perfumer Francois Demachy in 2015 and advertised by Johnny Depp, this loveable cologne has been inspired by….. “wild, open spaces: blue sky that covers rocky landscapes: hot, under the desert sun”.
The alchemy of scents that go in to make this spectacular cologne are Sichuan pepper, geranium, and patchouli to name but a few.
Dior’s products are now sold in over 210 retailers in stores all over the world.
Armani Aqua Di Gio
First made in 1996 by scent genius Albert Morillas and since updated, Armani created Aqua Di Gio after a vacation in beautiful Pantelleria. His goal was to create a scent of freedom, full of wind and water.
Containing sensual Indonesian patchouli, fruity persimmon, rock rose, and a hint of jasmine, the intoxicating aroma is both sensual and stimulating. Aqua Di Gio is both refined and classic.
This one is moderate in sillage so there’s no danger of overpowering your guests however, the subtle scent is very long-lasting at over 8 hours.
Calvin Klein Eternity
CK’s Eternity was created by Carlos Benaim in 1990. This hugely popular cologne has notes that include cucumber, lavender, sandalwood, and patchouli.
This classic fragrance is very long-lasting and can be smelt for up to eight hours after application. The scent has become synonymous with an attractive, successful gentleman, and is a great all-purpose cologne that women also adore!
Creed Aventus
Creed Aventus was inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte. The result is a cologne that oozes masculinity.
Ingredients include apple, bergamot, Corsican black-currant, and pineapple among its top notes. Middle notes are provided by Louisiana birch and rose with patchouli. And the rich base notes come from a gorgeous fusion of amber, oakmoss, and vanilla…Mmmmm!
The Creed theme of genteel gallantry and romance is evident in the super-cool bottle depicting a masculine horse & rider. A very noteworthy point is its popularity with females. There have been numerous reports of ladies “losing it” with any gents wearing this one!!!
Gucci Guilty
Colognes are a very sophisticated art form these days and that is no better example of this than Gucci Guilty.
Made from a collaboration between a creative director and a master perfumer, this cologne is created in such a way that the smell remains unchanged from the moment it hits the skin.
Introduced by the house of Gucci in 2011, this cologne was designed to be a companion for the hugely popular female edition of the same name.
This sweet nectar combines lemon, lavender, and orange blossom with seductive hints of musk and cedar.
Versace Man
Formulated to make you feel charismatic, confident, and sexy, the Versace Man cologne smells clean and fresh with subtle woodsy notes.
The highest notes mix bergamot, lemon, and star fruit. Middle notes blend black pepper, saffron, and tarragon. The strong base notes contain tobacco, amber, and musk.
This is very refined cologne was introduced in 2003 and comes in a beautifully designed bottle. It is recommended for daytime use because of its fresh and zesty aroma.
So, if you are looking for a new long-lasting fresh cologne you should check this one out the next time you hit the mall.
Le Male by John Paul Gaultier
The massively popular Le Male by John Paul Gaultier is instantly recognizable to most. This super-famous cologne was first introduced in 1995 by the design house.
Le Male has sold tons of units thanks to its appeal to such a wide range of men. This is mainly due to its awesome blend of Woody undertones with sharper oriental aromas.
This top scent is often known as the “man in a can” due to its baked-bean-style can packaging.
This is one of the longest-lasting colognes currently available with smell times above 10 hours! Ingredients are many but a few of note are mint, lavender, orange blossom, sandalwood, and yummy vanilla which gives this cologne a warm and sexy scent.
The bottle deserves a quick mention. Jean-Paul chose the chest of a man with stripes because to him it represents the life of a sailor that has just come ashore!!! (Yes, we got the picture, Mr. Gaultier!)
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