The 23 best colognes for men, according to Bazaar editors

A lot of power can be found in a simple spritz of cologne: It can tell a lot about a person, or even awaken a long-lost memory. And like the best perfumes of all time, the best colognes are nearly universally beloved for how fantastic they smell. What’s more, these scents are no longer reserved for the men in our lives, but anyone who wants to smell delicious.

“What we see more and more is a non-gendered perfumery. Today, a lot of fragrances are created without any notion of gender,” says Delphine Jelk, perfumer at Guerlain. “For example, Tobacco Honey, which was released recently, was immediately adopted by both men and women alike.”

Women have worn men’s cologne forever (and vice versa), but Jelk reassures that it matters not who the wearer is, but how they feel in their scent. “I think that you can assert your personality with the perfume you have chosen for yourself. So, if a men’s fragrance is better for you as a woman, you should just go for it,” says Jelk.

Ahead, we round up the 23 best colognes for men—and anyone else who wants to smell fantastic.

GUERLAIN VETIVER, ₹8,755
Best earthy scent 

"Vetiver de Guerlain is a stunning fragrance with a unique signature," says Jelk. "It is so recognisable, has an addictive trail, and is very long-lasting. You will never forget the one who wears it!"

Notes: vetiver, tonka bean, nutmeg, and tobacco

Customer review: "Fresh, elegant fragrance. An excellent option after shaving for warmer weather. Mood uplifter!!!" —Organic1

CREED GREEN IRISH TWEED FRAGRANCE, ₹28,767
Best floral woody scent

A little bit fresh (from the shot of lemon and peppermint), a little bit floral (violet and iris), and a little bit woody (sandalwood), this nuanced scent is as layered as its probably very well dressed wearer.

Notes:

Top: lemon, verbena, peppermint
Middle: violet leaves
Base: Florentine iris, sandalwood, ambergris

Customer review: "Love how great it smells on my husband. Think about outdoors, so fresh."—Nicky43

LE LABO SANTAL 33 EAU DE PARFUM, ₹22,514
Cult classic

The only scent on this list to also be in our round-up of the best perfumes of all time, warm, spicy Santal 33 is a genderless icon of the fragrance world.

Notes: Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, smoky wood alloy, ambrox, leather accord and musky notes

Customer review: "I buy a lot of fragrances and this is the best by far. I have received so many compliments since purchasing... and it's only been 3 days! I've had complete strangers stop me in the mall, the grocery store, and even the movie theatre to ask me what I was wearing. The fragrance is a little woodsy, a little floral, and very long-lasting. I can still smell it on me the next day." —MatthewA

DS & DURGA COWBOY GRASS, ₹17,511
Best rugged scent

If cowboy-core were a scent, it would be this deep green scent from DS & Durga. It's unlike any cologne you've ever smelled, yet oddly familiar.

Notes:

Top: rosewood, wild thyme, bergamot
Heart: sage brush basil rose otto
Base: vetiver, grass, ambergris

Customer review: "Totally unique. Outdoorsy without being what I’d call fresh. Casual. Great scent for hiking or biking or being in a meditative mood. It's quirky." —LMBelvi

RALPH LAUREN POLO EAU DE TOILETTE, ₹8,755
Best sport scent

Originating in 1978, this scent is a classic that still feels fresh and modern thanks to energising lime and basil. Find a man who doesn't love it—we dare you.

Notes:

Top: lime zest, basil, vetiver
Heart: leather, tobacco, cedar
Base: balsam, patchouli, oakmoss

Customer review: "Polo Green is a truly classic smelling cologne. It brings to mind elegance, class, and respect." —Jerry

DIOR SAUVAGE EAU DE TOILETTE, ₹10,006
Most popular scent

This bold, classic fragrance from Dior is a bestseller for a reason. Shaped by crisp bergamot, it later dries down to an enticing woody fragrance.

Notes: reggio bergamot, ambroxan, elemi and woods

Customer review: "First time I smelled Dior Sauvage, I was hooked. It's such a strong masculine yet sexy fragrance. I now have all of the line including Elixir." —stephenc24

ROJA PARFUMS ELYSIUM PARFUM COLOGNE, ₹28,767
Best fruit forward scent

This cologne exudes a sense of paradise, making the name all the more fitting. The warmth of vanilla and sensual leather anchors the opening citrus blend.

Notes:

Top: lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, lime, thyme, artemisia
Heart: lily of the valley, rose de mai, jasmin de grasse, apple, blackcurrant
Base: galbanum, pink pepper, cypriol, vetiver, cedarwood, juniper berry, benzoin, vanilla, labdanum, leather, ambergris

Customer review: "Bought this as a Christmas gift for our almost 30yr old son. Hubby thought it was time he had a nicer cologne than that of the average 20something yr old. Our son loves it and so does his girlfriend. This is a man's cologne for sure!" —D N.

PARFUMS DE MARLY HALTANE EAU DE PARFUM, ₹35,855
Best splurge scent

This scent, with notes of lavender, clary sage, patchouli, musk, and leather, balances sophistication and freshness and makes a great gift.

Notes:

Top: bergamot, lavender, clary sage
Heart: saffron, cedarwood, praline, oudwood
Base: patchouli, vetiver, musk, leather, natural agarwood

Customer review: "The best cologne I have ever purchased for my husband in 50 years of marriage!" —TR

BYREDO MISTER MARVELOUS EAU DE PARFUM, ₹24,181
Best fresh scent

This scent exudes confidence. With a sweet opening of mandarin, it dries down to spicy notes of black amber and white cedarwood.

Notes: mandarin leaves, neroli, bergamot, bamboo, lavender, amber, cedarwood

Customer review: "Smells great and lasts long time." —Snailtrail213

HOUSE OF Bō INFINITOUD, ₹30,435
Best oud scent

This fragrance perfectly bottles the earthy woodiness of an oud without the intensity that can sometimes turn people off. It's a fun, sexy scent that lasts all day.

Notes:

Top: myrrh, vetiver, peyote
Middle: black pepper, cedar wood, patchouli
Base: oud, incense, gurjun balsam

Customer review: "My wife loves this so its a keeper." —Daze

KRIGLER ESTABLISHED COGNAC 66, ₹51,282
Best spicy scent

This masculine scent is subtly sweet, thanks to its apple notes. But it's also a bit spicy and woody, since the fragrance contains a blend of patchouli and oak scents that add a sophisticated boldness.

Notes: apple, cedar wood, cognac, oak, patchouli

Customer review: "My other favourite of the collection... It's very dry, boozy, and woody (I'm talking REAL cognac and oak barrel), also smoky and chocolatey at times!" —Calvini

CHANEL BLEU DE CHANEL, ₹9,172
Most versatile scent

Chanel's namesake Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum is a fresh, woody blend that works for any occasion. It's captivating and sensual without being too overpowering.

Notes: citrus accord, labdanum, sandalwood cedar

Customer review: "Versatile, just the perfect male scent for any occasion. Smells wonderful. Fresh, woody blend." —Vernon

YSL BEAUTY Y EAU DE PARFUM, ₹17,511
Best citrus scent

As soon as you spray this on, compliments will come flooding in. Apple sharpens the top notes of bergamot, ginger, and sage, while vetiver anchors it all.

Notes:

Top: apple
Heart: sage
Base: vetiver

Customer review: "Fresh, clean, woody scent. I got lots of compliments and my girlfriend loves it." —Alex11

TOM FORD BEAUTY OUD WOOD EAU DE PARFUM, ₹24,598
Best spicy woody scent

Inspired by incense-filled temples, this popular cologne from Tom Ford Beauty features notes of rare oud wood and Chinese pepper.

Notes: rare oud wood, sandalwood, chinese pepper

Customer review: "Oud Wood smells so good, I could cry. It is the perfect scent." —lilyroseb

VERSACE DYLAN BLUE POUR HOMME, ₹8,005
Most refreshing scent

Escape to the blue seas of the Mediterranean with notes of bergamot and grapefruit. Although this is a strong masculine fragrance, Dylan Blue is still quite refreshing.

Notes:

Top: calabrian bergamot, grapefruit, fig leaves, acquatic notes
Heart: violet leaves, black pepper, papyrus wood, ambrox, patchouli bio
Base: mineral musk, tonka bean, saffron, pyrogéné incense

Customer review: "This is one of my husband's favorite colognes. Smells amazing and lasts for hours! Would recommend for the man in your life!"—Jamie

JO MALONE MYRRH & TONKA COLOGNE INTENSE, ₹18,344
Best vanilla scent

It goes without saying that Bazaar editors are big fans of Jo Malone scents. This deeper option from the brand features a hint of floral freshness that adds depth to its otherwise rich and warm amber and vanilla notes.

Notes: lavender, omumbiri myrrh, tonka bean

Customer review: "The smell is intensive and wonderful and last on me for 5 to 6 hours. I’m so glad for this purchase. It has a very mild but yet demanding sweet smell. When I walk in a room even if I don’t overspray I’m ask 'what is that scent you have on?' and I always answer Myrrh Tonka cologne intense by Joe Malone." —PatCarey

ISSEY MIYAKE L'EAU d'LSSEY POUR HOMME EAU DE TOILETTE, ₹9,707
Best citrus scent

This is the scent to pick up if you're looking for fresh, clean, and elegant. Citrus like yuzu and mandarin complement spices and wood for a clean scent that all genders love.

Notes:

Top: yuzu
Middle: cinnamon, nutmeg
Base: sandalwood

Customer review: "I love this scent on my husband, but I love wearing it too! I think it's the tangerine and yuzu notes that help it be unisex. It smells yummy and sophisticated at the same time." —AddictedToQuality

LOEWE POUR HOMME EAU DE TOILETTE, ₹13,455
Best warm earthy scent 

A light touch of lavender lightens up this earthy scent from Loewe, which doesn't mess with the formula, just perfects it.

Notes: geranium, vetiver, and sandalwood

Customer review: "Old school lovely masculine earthy, lavender aromatic that dries down to a fresh soap that lasts all day. A classic!" —NJScents

DIOR GRIS DIOR, ₹12,512
Best chypre scent 

The best thing about this culty scent from Dior is that it's extremely versatile. Its floral and woody accord makes a great signature fragrance that plays well with others, or smells remarkable alone.

Notes:

Top: bergamot
Heart: rose and jasmine
Base: patchouli, moss, cedar, sandalwood and amber

Customer review: "Very intoxicating scent. Very unique and airy. Perfect signature scent." —Scent collector Oklahoma

AMOUAGE REFLECTION MAN EAU DE PARFUM, ₹30,029
Best earthy floral scent

Crafted for sultans of Oman, Amouage scents are truly regal. Reflection for Man embodies a sense of timelessness, with notes of rosemary, jasmine, patchouli, and woods.

Notes:

Top: rosemary, red pepper berries, bitter orange leaves
Heart: neroli, orris, jasmine, ylang-ylang
Base: vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, cedarwood

Customer review: "Quality scent with superb ingredients and universal appeal. True unisex." —spinteractive

ARMANI BEAUTY ARMAIN CODE PARFUM, ₹12,012
Best woody scent

Tonka bean partners with fresh iris and bergamot for an irresistible fragrance blend that's great to wear all year long. The warm and woody scent is as classic and timeless as the Armani brand itself.

Notes: tonka bean, iris, sage, bergamot

Customer review: "This is a unique fragrance but still has hints of original Code DNA. Very soft Iris. You can wear this year round. Incredibly versatile." —Xavi

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDIJAN PARIS L'HOMME À LA ROSE EAU DE PARFUM, ₹22,939
Best floral scent

This Eau de parfum from Maison Francis Kurkdjian proves that bright rose notes combined with fruity and woody ones are the perfect gender-neutral blend.

Notes:

Top: grapefruit accord, damascena rose oil
Heart: ambery woody accord, sage oil
Base: centifolia rose absolute, cistus labdanum oil

Customer review: "Obsessed with this scent! I first came across it in Bergdorfs in NYC a few weeks ago and decided I had to have it when I got back to Texas! It’s my new go to!" —dwb90

DOLCE & GABBANA K EAU DE TOILETTE, ₹8,675
Best aromatic scent

 
Made for the "contemporary man," K by Dolce and Gabbana is sparkling and aromatic—and makes the perfect gift for anyone whose name begins with a K.

Notes:

Top: chili pepper
Heart: French lavender
Base: Haitian vetiver

Customer review: "I love this cologne: It is strong at first but it simmers down. I bought it for my husband." —Jossee

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This article originally appeared in harpersbazaar.com/us in March, 2024. 

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