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Fragrance Family: Woody Citrus | Highlighted Notes: blackcurrant, apple, pink pepper, bergamot, patchouli, pineapple, oakmoss, cedarwood, ambergris | Size: 1, 2.5, 8.5, 34 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Perhaps one of the most iconic fragrances of all time, Creed’s Aventus transcends most other colognes because it really can’t be categorized. It blends notes of many popular colognes—woody, fresh, ambery, and fruity—in an elusive, captivating way. Due to its light, citrus-forward composition, it’s great for warm weather, however, it’s still woody, leathery, and sensuous enough for winter wear. 

Over time, the dry down revealed a woody, leathery character that’s nothing short of sophisticated and masculine. Among other things, Avenus is known for its lasting power (aka the ability to stay on the skin for long periods) and projection, which means that it creates a scented bubble that others can appreciate without being too overpowering. Considering these characteristics, plus the sophisticated scent and the luxe packaging, we can honestly say that this one is worth the splurge—especially since a little bit goes a long way.

Who It’s For

Because it’s a total classic and has a long wear time, Creed Aventus is a great choice for special events that last all day, like a wedding, for example. 

Fragrance Family: Warm Spicy | Highlighted Notes: Calabrian bergamot, pepper, lavender, patchouli, ambroxan, cedar, spices | Size: 2, 3.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Even if this is your first foray into the fragrance space, you’ve likely at least heard of Dior’s Sauvage. The original fragrance garnered quite a fan following for its unique scent profile, which includes Calabrian bergamot, pepper, lavender, cedar, and amber. Sauvage Elixir takes the fresh, citrusy character of the original Sauvage and brings it up a few notches with a warm, inviting layer of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, which can only be described as velvet in liquid form. These spicy notes (plus the deep base of cedar and other woods) give it an intriguing can’t-quite-put-your-finger-on-it trail that’s noticeable but gets slightly less obvious throughout the day.

In our experience in the lab, we found that the formula played nicely with the natural scent of the skin and faded over a few hours. However, we noticed that the fragrance lasted longer when we sprayed it on our clothing (sparingly, of course). Just don’t spray it on wool—it turned foul and smelled like dirty laundry.

Who It’s For

We highly recommend Dior Sauvage for anyone looking to exude confidence. It gives a power boost to date night or a big afternoon meeting. 

Fragrance Family: Ambery Spice | Highlighted Notes: Cardamom, bergamot, ginger, cinnamon, clove, tobacco leaf, black pepper, vanilla, tonka bean, suede, sandalwood  | Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Compared to luxury fragrances with similar scent profiles, Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla really holds its own. With a unique blend of spices and vanilla, the masculine fragrance is warm and spicy yet unexpectedly sweet. Upon first spritz, there is a short-lived alcohol scent that eventually fades away into a vibrant pop of cardamom with a subtle vanilla sweetness. 

As the fragrance sits on the skin, it has a spicier effect thanks to notes of cinnamon, clove, and tobacco leaf. Finally, near the end of its wear, you’ll likely be able to detect notes of suede and sandalwood on the skin. When we tried it in the lab, we were pleased to find that the fragrance imparted a lovely scent on every surface it touched: skin (obviously), hair, and all different fabric types.

Who It’s For

Someone who enjoys fine things at a lower price point will appreciate the quality craftsmanship of this fragrance that, unlike many colognes, won’t break the bank. 

Fragrance Family: Spicy Ambery | Highlighted Notes: Pink pepper, rum, cardamom, cedarwood, geranium, tobacco lead, vanilla, leather  | Size: 0.34, 1, 3.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Evoking the captivating atmosphere of a dimly lit jazz bar, Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club is a sexy fragrance you (or those around you) won’t be able to get enough of. It strikes the perfect balance between smoky, boozy, and leathery notes to create a distinctive, memorable scent that’s transportive and alluring. 

It kicks off with a bang with top notes of pink pepper, rum, and cardamom and slowly softens with notes of cedarwood and geranium. Once it’s dried down, the skin is left smelling like tobacco leaf, vanilla, and leather. As you may have guessed, this one shines after dark, adding an air of mystery and sophistication to your aura. It can be intense, so we recommend applying it sparingly. Using a light touch will avoid overwhelming the surrounding space. 

Who It’s For

This is great for nighttime in the winter. It has a sultry vibe that lends itself well to nights out, but it’s also just as cozy for getting up close and personal with a special someone. 

Fragrance Family: Chypre Citrus | Highlighted Notes: Lemon, bergamot, blackcurrant, peach, apricot, oakmoss, clary sage | Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Blu Atlas Atlantis Eau de Parfum has garnered a loyal following and we can totally see why. Striking a nice balance between bright citrus notes like lemon and bergamot as well as sensual notes like peach, apricot, and musk, the fragrance can only be described as a breath of fresh air. While the dominant scent is fruity and somewhat sweet, it’s not overly feminine; it simply elevates a man’s natural scent. 

After testing it, we can confirm that it compliments the muskiness of the skin and adds a subtle lightness to it that’s alluring to all who smell it. Another thing we particularly love about this fragrance is that it disperses very nicely, essentially leaving no trace of it on your clothing. Seeing as how this fragrance is ideal for daytime use, we’re thankful this one doesn’t leave a bunch of spray marks on light-colored shirts. The only downside we found is that it’s only available in one (albeit TSA-friendly) size.

Who It’s For

This is a great option for anyone seeking a no-nonsense daytime cologne. We also like this one for those who value sustainability, as the brand commits to using natural ingredients and transparency when it comes to sourcing and production. 

Fragrance Family: Fresh Aromatic | Highlighted Notes: Grapefruit, juniper, mandarin orange, rosemary, pepperwood, Brazilian rosewood, musk, amberwood | Size: 0.33, 1.3, 2.5, 4.2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

When you want to smell clean and fresh, reach for Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue Pour Homme Eau de Toilette. It’s part of the fresh fragrance family, so you can expect lots of citrusy, natural elements with an aqua-earthy feel—similar to what it smells like when you sit by the ocean. The top notes of grapefruit, juniper, and mandarin orange offer a bright opening, while rosemary, pepperwood, Brazilian rosewood, and musk tone it down throughout the rest of the wear. 

In our experience, it pairs nicely with the skin’s natural scent and is a great option for all genders and ages. It is rather bold and strong, so take caution when applying it. You’ll likely only need a spritz or two; any more than that might give someone around you a headache. 

Who It’s For

The fresh and citrusy scent is perfect for the spring and summer months. We recommend this one for everyday wear, like running errands or meeting up with friends. 

Fragrance Family: Woody | Highlighted Notes: Lemon, mint, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, jasmine, sandalwood, patchouli | Size: 1.7 and 3.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Part of the woody fragrance family, Chanel’s modern classic Bleu de Chanel combines a warm, earthy character with a crisp blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The fragrance boasts refreshing top notes of lemon, mint, pink pepper, and grapefruit for a citrusy opening, while ginger, musk, nutmeg, and jasmine add depth and warmth as time goes on. Sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver, incense, cedar, and white musk provide a woody, balsamic dry down that’s simply divine. 

While it might sound complex, the fragrance is everything but. It’s very simple, making it a great option for anyone diving into the world of fragrances for the first time. Plus, it’s long-lasting—which is typical of most Chanel scents. In our experience, the fragrance takes about 30 minutes to really meld into the skin and only two to three sprays are required to achieve a result that lingers for several hours afterward. The only downside is that there were some noticeable stains on thinner fabrics like satin, silk, or other woven materials.

Who It’s For

Due to the simple scent profile, this fragrance is our pick for anyone who is just getting started with wearing colognes. It’s enjoyable but doesn’t have complex notes to complicate things. 

Fragrance Family: Citrus | Highlighted Notes: Bergamot, lemon, orange, lavender, rosemary, vetiver, cedarwood | Size: 1.6, 3.3, 6 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Another popular fragrance that has reached icon status, Acqua di Parma Colonia is a vibrant, fresh cologne that smells great on everyone who wears it. With an opening of bergamot, lemon, and orange, the fragrance is like a burst of freshness. 

After a few minutes of wear, we were able to pick up on heart notes of lavender and rosemary, which further contributed to the cologne’s clean, elegant character. While you could spray it at any hour, we love it in the daytime, specifically as an afternoon pick-me-up. In our experience, this fragrance becomes more subtle when it’s had a chance to play with the skin. It doesn’t fade per se but it takes on a softer finish. You’ll still smell light and fresh, but it won’t be as obvious to those around you; those who come up close, however, will be able to pick up on it.

Who It’s For

We can confidently say that this is a great option for anyone seeking a scent they can wear every day to smell fresh and clean. Whether used as a post-workout body spray or a mid-day refresh, you’ll be thankful you have this one on hand.

Fragrance Family: Spicy Amber | Highlighted Notes: Lavender, geranium, cardamom, ginger, toffee accord, amber woods | Size: 1.7, 3.4, 5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

This fragrance is a bit unexpected. Allow us to explain: It opens up with fresh notes of lavender and geranium, before giving way to spices like cardamom and ginger, creating a uniquely spicy yet warm character. Then, when it dries down, the rich amber and toffee notes appear, adding a surprising depth and sophistication. With all of these different notes, we’d be surprised if it didn’t come across as strong, but rest assured that it didn’t make us, or those around us, dizzy while testing. Because you only need a small amount, you can get away with using less; so one bottle will last you a long time, regardless of the size. Plus, The Most Wanted comes housed in a glass bottle that looks like a piece of a gun, so you can bet it’ll look striking in your space, too.

Who It’s For

This fragrance’s sophistication and elegance shine through in formal settings like dinners, ceremonies, and galas. Also nice: The sweet, warm profile of this fragrance isn’t super gendered, making it versatile and appealing to a broad audience. 

Fragrance Family: Aromatic Aquatic | Highlighted Notes: Grapefruit, mandarin orange, marine accord, rosemary, sage, cedarwood, patchouli, white musk | Size: 1.4, 2.5, 4.3, 5.0 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

One of the newer fragrances on the market, Giorgio Armani’s Aqua Di Gio Eau de Parfum is the revamped version of the iconic Acqua Di Gio Eau de Toilette from the ‘90s. Though it’s largely the same fragrance, there are a few key differences in the form of several richer, woodier notes. Acqua Di Gio Eau de Parfum opens up with notes of grapefruit, mandarin orange, and marine accord (like the original) and takes a deeper turn with base notes of cedarwood, patchouli, and white musk. Because of the light, citrus top notes, it still retains the aquatic core of the original, but these more sensual base notes give it more depth and sensuality. 

When we tried it out, we were impressed with how well-balanced the elements were and especially enjoyed the bergamot scent, which reminded us of the smell of fresh air. The only thing we didn’t particularly like was that it didn’t last super long. It stuck to fabric and hair for a while, however, it seemed to disappear from the skin after just a few hours.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for a traditional, masculine cologne, you’ll enjoy this one. Because it’s so uplifting and aquatic, we recommend it for casual outings (particularly by the sea) or work when you want to add a touch of personality to your workwear. 

Fragrance Family: Spicy Ambery | Highlighted Notes: Tobacco leaf, tonka bean, vanilla, cacao, dry fruits, various woody notes | Size: 0.3, 1, 1.7, 3.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another iconic fragrance, Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille is one of our favorites from testing; it’s chock-full of luxurious notes that come together to form a rich fragrance we never want to stop smelling. Upon first whiff, the thick, heady aroma reminded us of what it might smell like to get lost in the woods. There’s a lot of musk and tobacco in there—as the name suggests—but thanks to ginger and vanilla, it takes on a spiced dessert-like quality when it makes contact with the skin. 

The cologne certainly doesn’t lack longevity—like most Tom Ford fragrances—and it settles into the skin beautifully, leaving behind a noticeable trail without completely saturating the air around you. 

Who It’s For

Because the fragrance imparts a stark, sexy sillage, it’s only right that you wear it for a night out to a buzzy new restaurant or cozy wine bar. The only thing to note is that it’s a very mature scent, so those on the younger side seeking a light, fresh scent might want to skip this one. 

Fragrance Family: Woody Spicy | Highlighted Notes: Cardamom, bergamot, pepper, lavender, cedarwood, cumin, vetiver, vanilla, tonka bean, patchouli, amber  | Size: 2, 3.3 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de l’Homme is a versatile, sophisticated fragrance that likely graces the cabinets of at least one of your friends or family members—it’s a classic. It starts off fresh and spicy (though some found it to feel powdery upon application) with notes of cardamom, bergamot, and pepper. Over time, it evolves into something warm and woody, thanks to heart notes of lavender, cumin, and cedar. After several hours, it becomes sensual and sweet, albeit more subtle than before. 

We loved the smell so much we’d honestly wear it any time of day, any time of year, and any type of mood—it goes with everything.

Who It’s For

The sophistication of this fragrance suits black-tie events, dinners, or other elegant gatherings. We recommend a few spritzes to really capture the desired effect.