23 Best Men’s Colognes for Every Mood, According to Glamour Editors
By now, considering you’ve found this page, you know that tracking down the best men’s colognes isn’t for the weak of heart. The teenage days of begging your parents for a bottle from Abercrombie & Fitch (or picking up a fresh can of Axe at the grocery store) were so simple, but at this point in your life, it’s time for a signature scent that’s a touch more refined.
But that refinement can come at a cost. While there are plenty of cheap colognes that smell great—just peep these Amazon perfumes—many bottles will set you back $100 or more. Thankfully, we’re fragrance snobs here at Glamour, and we’ve tested dozens (perhaps hundreds) of options at every price point and in every fragrance family, both for ourselves and our partners. We’ve seen (and smelled) it all, from moody winter perfumes to fresh summer fragrances, plenty of which make incredible gifts for men.
Think of this list like turning to your group chat for advice; we’re here to provide as much guidance as possible for blind buys. (One note: While “cologne” is often used to describe scents for men, most of these picks are actually perfume or eau de parfum, which contain a higher concentration of fragrance oils and tend to last longer.) Whether you’re in the mood for a fresh, time-honored scent—say, Bleu de Chanel or Nautica Voyage—or something a little newer and more adventurous, like options from buzzy brands like Byredo and D.S. & Durga, you’ll find it here. These are the best men’s colognes for everyone, according to editors.
The best men’s colognes at a glance
- Best Men’s Cologne Overall: Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò, $110
- Most Popular Men’s Cologne: Chanel Bleu de Chanel, $150
- Best Cheap Men’s Cologne: Nautica Voyage, $19
- Best Designer Men’s Cologne: Yves Saint Laurent Y, $148
- Best Men’s Cologne on Amazon: Calvin Klein CK One, $83
- Best Splurge-Worthy Men’s Cologne: Amouage Search, $360
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- 1/23
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò Eau de Toilette
A classic through and through, Acqua di Giò is a fresh coastal fragrance that’s masculine without being too heavy; close your eyes and the blend of bergamot and neroli will transport you to some quiet Italian seaside town. “I will follow a man wearing this down the street,” says Natasha Pearlman, Glamour’s executive editor. Need we say more?
Notes: Bergamot, neroli, green tangerine, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli
Sizes: 0.67 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz., 6.7 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes and Sephora promo codes.
- 2/23
Chanel’s bestseller is a mainstay for countless good-smelling guys. Citrus, cedar, and sandalwood lend a fresh, woody vibe, while sweeter, spicier notes of tonka bean and vanilla add some sex appeal. Plus, there’s no flex quite like having a Chanel bottle on your dresser or in your bathroom cabinet.
Notes: Citrus, cedar, tonka bean, vanilla, sandalwood
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz., 5 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 3/23
This signature fragrance from YSL is masculine through and through but with a thoughtful edge that keeps it from becoming one-note. (Fittingly, its ambassador is Lenny Kravitz.) “This is the boldest and most sultry scent in my collection, and probably the most long-lasting,” says Glamour shopping writer Jake Smith. “The citrus and apple notes draw you in, then the vetiver and tonka bean keep you around for more. Use it to seduce someone.”
Notes: Citrus, sage, geranium, vetiver, apple, tonka bean
Sizes: 2 oz., 3.3 oz., 6.7 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes and Sephora promo codes.
- 4/23
Looking for something light and energetic? Versace’s masculine fragrance combines soaring notes of lemon and mint with base notes of cedar, sandalwood, and patchouli, resulting in a coastal, alluring scent that lives up to the brand’s sexy image. We also love the blue bottle, which is flashier (and, dare we say, cooler) than the typically reserved packaging for men.
Notes: Lemon, mandarin, mint oil, geranium, sage, amber, cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla
Sizes: 3.4 oz., 6.7 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Amazon promo codes and Nordstrom promo codes.
- 5/23
Heavy on the citrus notes, this perfume oil smells like a forest on the first nice day of spring. “From the moment I first smelled this verdant scent, I’ve been obsessed with it,” Smith says. “It’s delicate and almost floral but still masculine thanks to the woody, spicy kick of black pepper. A few dabs go a long way, so don’t be put off by the size.” Plus, the travel-friendly bottle fits nearly anywhere.
Notes: Grapefruit, orange, black pepper, cedarwood, patchouli
Sizes: 0.1 oz., 0.5 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Sephora promo codes.
- 6/23
Few fragrances are as iconic as CK One, a unisex scent that’s been a bestseller since it was first launched 30 years ago. If it’s been a minute since you’ve owned a bottle, don’t worry—it’s just as clean and alluring today as it was back in high school. And it’s still a great alternative to the heavier, more serious men’s colognes out there; this one isn’t afraid to be a little more airy.
Notes: Green tea, bergamot, rose, violet, musk, amber, cardamom
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.3 oz., 6.7 oz., 10 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Amazon promo codes and Macy’s promo codes.
- 7/23
Why try to beat the classics? Ralph Lauren’s Polo Red is just as bold as that ruby bottle suggests, with a spicy, aromatic mix of citrus, saffron, and redwood. You’ll get the same impact as Dior, Prada, or Montblanc, but at a slightly lower price—win-win.
Notes: Grapefruit, lavender, saffron, lemon, sage, redwood
Sizes: 2.5 oz., 4.2 oz., 6.7 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Amazon promo codes, Sephora promo codes, and Macy’s promo codes.
- 8/23
Royals-approved fragrance house Jo Malone specializes in deceptively simple scents. This bestseller—one of its most masculine options—is basically relaxation in a bottle, with woody, aqua notes that bring to mind a seaside escape.
Notes: Ambrette, sea salt, sage
Sizes: 0.3 oz., 1 oz., 3.4 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 9/23
“It’s hard for me to pick a favorite Amouage scent—my most complimented one is the woody, spicy Purpose—but I’m absolutely transfixed by this nautical pick,” Smith says. “Don’t get caught up in the description of the top notes; what I smell is fresh-squeezed citrus, smoke blowing over water, and sun-baked earth. It makes me wish I’d pursued sailing or archaeology instead of writing, but at least this cologne lets me microdose the life of an explorer. Sure, it’s an investment, but I’d say it’s worth every penny. Each spritz lasts an eternity.”
Notes: Frankincense, pear, hazelnut, saffron, rose, sambac jasmine, sandalwood, ambergris, vanilla
Sizes: 3.4 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes and Neiman Marcus promo codes.
- 10/23
After years of flying under the radar, Margiela’s Replica fragrances are gaining more popularity on social media—and for good reason. Each one aims to evoke a specific space, and By the Fireplace (fittingly) smells like curling up next to a roaring fire, complete with smoky pangs of clove, chestnut, and vanilla. It’s the next best thing to actually spending the night in a snowed-in cabin. (And if you want to sample more of the brand’s unique scents, it’s also available in a gift set.)
Notes: Pink pepper, clove oil, chestnut, orange flower, vanilla
Sizes: 1 oz., 3.4 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 11/23
Cheap cologne gets a bad rap—sorry, Drakkar Noir—but Nautica’s coastal option proves that drugstore options can hold their own. It’s earned a cult following for its subtle, fresh long-lasting scent that smells way more expensive than $20. Instead of smelling artificial or cloying, the blend of green apple, cedar, and florals evokes crisp, cool water. (Plus, it’s a fraction of the price of Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue or Dior’s Sauvage.) Why not give it a shot?
Notes: Green apple, mimosa, cedarwood, water lotus, musk
Sizes: 3.3 oz., 6.7 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Amazon promo codes.
- 12/23
If you’ve ever wanted to smell like the world’s finest suede—perhaps even like a Ferragamo bag—you’re in luck: Bright Leather is your ticket. A favorite of Glamour art director Alexandra Folino, this scent expertly combines bright citrus with earthier notes of cedarwood and musk, a perfect balance of heavy and light.
Notes: Bergamot, mandarin, basil, rosemary, leather accord, cedarwood, patchouli, musk
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes and Bloomingdale’s promo codes.
- 13/23
The internet-famous Baccarat Rouge 540 is widely accepted as the ultimate quiet-luxury scent. Floral and spicy, it’s completely unisex and shockingly expensive, but if you’re one to invest in your fragrances, you can’t do much better than this unique, sought-after bottle.
Notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris
Sizes: 2.4 oz., 6.8 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 14/23
This unisex cologne spray is the perfect scent for anyone with a mischievous side, according to Glamour junior designer Channing Smith. “Byredo’s Pulp fragrance is a divisive one,” she says. “The strong scent is moody, with warm, fruity notes that evoke a boozy, tangy mood. The notes of cedarwood and cardamom offer a more masculine base, which is complimented by the sweetness of fig and red apple.”
Notes: Bergamot, blackcurrant, cardamom, fig, red apple, cedarwood, peach flower
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.
- 15/23
In the realm of designer fragrances, Tom Ford occupies perhaps the sexiest perch. (Sorry, Hermès and Creed.) While there are plenty of scents to choose from, the brand’s beloved Ombré Leather is a great entryway into its sultry world; notes of leather and jasmine dance around each other for a fragrance that’s bold, sensual, and ready for all-night dancing.
Notes: Black leather, patchouli, violet flower, vetiver, jasmine flower, amber, moss
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 16/23
Another of Folino’s favorites, this amber-y unisex fragrance “tips more masculine” and comes from a TikTok-approved brand. Thanks to the oud-like vanilla and musk, it’s warm and more than a little sexy—perfect for turning up the heat during winter or sweating through during summer.
Notes: Bergamot, lemon, jasmine, saffron, cyclamen, sandalwood, vanilla, musk, amber, moss, cedarwood
Sizes: 1.7 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Amazon promo codes.
- 17/23
Go a rich, sensual route in Gucci Guilty. The famous fragrance finds unique beauty in the unexpected combination of rose, chili pepper, and cedar. The result is a musky, aromatic experience that’s undeniably alluring—perfect for making an impression during date night or at a late-night party.
Notes: Fresh rose, chili pepper, cedarwood, lavender, orange blossom, patchouli
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 18/23
D.S. & Durga’s Steamed Rainbow takes a gimmick premise—one note for each letter of ROYGBIV—and turns it into something magical, a fresh scent with the distinct aroma of water vapor. “I can only describe this scent as wet, but in the best way possible: sparkling and slinky like a babbling brook,” Smith says. The holographic label and magnetic cap make the entire experience more luxurious and fun.
Notes: Mandarin, orange, elemi resin, green cedar, indigo grass, violet, vetiver
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes and Saks Fifth Avenue promo codes.
- 19/23
Paco Rabanne’s Invictus is bottled in a trophy—and the winning vibes don’t stop there. It’s clean, fresh, and woody, making you smell like an athlete at the top of his game. And marine notes are also hidden in the mix, suggesting, perhaps, a much-needed beachside vacation.
Notes: Grapefruit, guaiac wood, patchouli
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Sephora promo codes.
- 20/23
Is this one maybe a bit overdone? Sure. But it’s also one of the most refined, iconic men’s scents. “You can’t walk around New York City without smelling Santal 33 on the wind,” Smith says. “It deserves its cultlike following, though, because it’s simply so good. That opening punch of sandalwood is iconic, and the lower notes—cardamom, ambrox, and iris, among others—keep it spicy and layered long after the initial application.
Notes: Sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, ambrox, leather accord, musk
Sizes: 0.5 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 21/23
One of the cheekier men’s fragrances available anywhere, skin care brand Malin+Goetz’s Cannabis eau de toilette spray isn’t skunky; instead, it’s green and herbaceous. Woody notes like bergamot, cedar, and patchouli ground the scent, while floral magnolia keeps things from getting too heavy. Spray each wrist and look back on your misspent youth.
Notes: Black pepper, magnolia, bergamot, cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood
Sizes: 1.7 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Bloomingdale’s promo codes.
- 22/23
“I grew up on the colognes from American Eagle and Abercrombie & Fitch,” Smith says, “and Diesel’s signature fragrance is like the grown-up version of those. It’s fresh, spicy, and youthful, much like the brand’s recent runway shows. I’ll spritz it on when I want to remind myself of simpler times.”
Notes: Ginger, bergamot, denim-cotton accord, lavender, vanilla
Sizes: 1 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Walmart promo codes and Nordstrom Rack promo codes.
- 23/23
Molton Brown’s underrated fragrances aren’t being worn by every other guy on the street, meaning they’ll help you stand out from the crowd. Perhaps the most unique is Fiery Pink Pepper, which the brand describes as “energetic and eccentric” with an adventurous mix of pepper, ginger, and cedar. “I love the spicy, summery allure of this scent,” Smith says. “It’s clean but not sanded down. Just note that it can lean slightly more feminine than other options, which shouldn’t be an issue if you’re assured in your masculinity.”
Notes: Pink pepper, ginger, jasmine, patchouli, cedarwood, oakmoss
Sizes: 3.4 oz.Save on the best men’s colognes with these Amazon promo codes and Neiman Marcus promo codes.