17 Best Colognes for Men in 2024

It’s not enough to be the best dressed or have the nicest car. If you want to attract attention and maximize your natural charisma, you need to smell great, too. The best colognes for men can help you achieve that goal.

Even better, there's a stellar fragrance for every man, no matter his personal aesthetic or style choices. With so many different fragrances to choose from, you might not know which cologne you should try.

Don’t have enough time to give each possible cologne the sniff test? We can help. Take a look at these top cologne choices for men in 2024.

1. Blu Atlas Atlantis

When it comes to top-tier cologne, there’s nothing more interesting and invigorating than Atlantis from Blu Atlas. This Eau de Parfum is primarily influenced by the fragrances and unique imagery in Bali's coastal jungle, evoking an ancient, mysterious energy that you can bring with you to any social occasion.

Apply this cologne, and you'll note scents like lemon, blackcurrant, and bergamot at the beginning. The cologne's fragrances gradually progress to include notes of lavender, clary sage, and apricot, finishing smoothly yet in an energizing way with notes of musk, violet, oak moss, and ambrette seed.

Ultimately, it’s a well-rounded, engaging cologne that brings something new to the table each time you apply it. It’s formulated with premium ingredients and cruelty-free practices, making it a prime choice for vegan customers. Even the bottle is something to notice: it’s a matte black container with a magnetic cap and padded box. Try Blu Atlas if you’re looking for something new, masculine, and exciting – you won’t regret it.

2. Nautica Voyage

Nautica Voyage brings romance and fresh fragrances to your life in more ways than one. It’s the perfect choice for men looking to evoke an active, romantic experience for themselves and future partners, featuring scents reminiscent of a salty sea breeze, woods, and coastal herbs.

This cologne is also a top choice in part because it can be worn casually or formally, enabling it to act as a "catchall" fragrance when you aren't sure exactly what to apply. With its fruit-forward scent and base notes of cedarwood, amber, and marine life, it's both masculine and "young" in a way that's perfect for beach parties, sailing with the love of your life, or attending a coastal restaurant.

3. The Dreamer by Versace

The Dreamer by Versace is a popular cologne option, and for good reason. It’s an innovative, smooth blended fragrance that oscillates interestingly between aromatic and wild plants, ranging from tarragon to mugwort to juniper. This herbal fragrance is perfect for a classy night out with friends or a significant other.

In particular, you’ll notice that this fragrance includes hints of citrus and sweeter elements, like apple, guava, and red currant. Aquatic notes mingle with these factors to create a fresh, invigorating, and unique cologne perfect for summer evenings in Southern California. However, you can also wear it in the daytime during the spring and summer months to maximize your aesthetic theming with the excellent weather.

4. Eros by Versace

Versace returns to this breakdown of the best colognes for men with Eros. As its name suggests, it’s an inviting cologne meant to make you irresistible to the opposite sex (or anyone else you wish to attract). It takes its interesting name from the Greek god of erotic love, the son of Aphrodite.

In keeping with its name, Eros has a lot to offer, improving any romantic evening. Apply the fragrance once, and you'll find its overall scent marker to include woody, fresh, and Oriental notes. Some warmer fragrances, like Tonka beans mixed with Venezuelan ambroxan, mingle with specific elements like mint oil, green apple, and Italian lemon to create a delicious, elevating fragrance for men who want to maximize their game in more ways than one.

5. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

You can't forget Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue cologne for men. Though it comes in a small bottle by default, it packs a major punch, and it is definitely recommended for romantic wear. This UK-based fragrance features top notes of refreshing bergamot, Sicilian mandarin, and grapefruit peel. Those notes give way to aromatic rosemary and sensual rosewood, ensuring that you evoke a sensation of strong masculinity whenever you wear this cologne.

The base notes accentuate this effect, including oakmoss, incense, and musk wood. All in all, it’s a robust and well-rounded fragrance that’s always a delight to wear and perceive. You can put it on when you are wearing a suit just as often as when you’re wearing a button-down T-shirt or aloha shirt on a tropical vacation.

6. Gucci Guilty

Gucci Guilty is easily one of the best colognes for men in 2023, and there’s a core reason why: its unique fragrance blend is unmatched, plus you benefit from some of the brand recognition this cologne offers.

This cologne features a well-rounded scent mixture featuring notes of orange blossom, bergamot, and musk. At the same time, the scent mixture is fairly straightforward and simple, making it a great choice for traditional men who want what works, not what is unnecessarily complex. This cologne is recommended particularly for casual wear, as its scent will be absorbed and noticed more quickly compared to other fragrances.

Don't let that stop you from trying it out, however. Sometimes, a simple, easy-to-love cologne is best compared to something that is unnecessarily challenging.

7. Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani

Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani is one of the most popular colognes for men in 2023, particularly if the aesthetic or mood is natural, authentic, and coastal. When you apply this cologne to any of your pulse points, you’ll reinvigorate yourself and benefit from a warm Indonesian patchouli scent, which evokes fresh and sensual imagery and ideas at the same time.

Light and aquatic fragrances mingle with rosemary, fruity persimmon, and jasmine smells. Add to that some bergamot, green tangerine, and neroli, and it's easy to see why this fragrance is both timeless and a quintessential representation of Armani's style. This sea-inspired cologne could be a perfect standout choice among your other cologne options or a go-to pick for men looking for an iconic scent they want to be associated with their characters.

8. Davidoff Cool Water

Davidoff Cool Water’s cologne for men is a great everyday fragrance, perfect for when you are going out and about to tackle some errands or meet friends. At the same time, it’ll keep you smelling your best, so you are always ready for an engaging conversation or the interest of a potential significant other.

Its scent mixture includes elegant and well-designed notes of mint, amber, and lavender, so it's ultimately a daytime fragrance through and through. It has more than 18 natural ingredients that deliver freshness and sexiness in equal measure. It's a particularly good fragrance in the summer, as there are fruity notes of pineapple, melon, and blackcurrant mixed in with Lily of the Valley.

9. Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man

Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man isn’t just relatively affordable; it’s also a highly engaging and interesting fragrance, thanks to a unique combination of notes that surprise and delight at every level.

It all starts with top notes of pineapple, blackcurrant, lemon, and bergamot, which eventually give way to jasmine, rose, and birch notes. The fragrance finishes off with smoother smells, namely vanilla, patchouli, and ambergris.

The result? A fragrance that works in practically any situation and in any social setting. But it’s definitely one of the best colognes for men who wear suits frequently and who want to evoke an aura of power and masculinity through scent just as much as clothing, poise, and speech.

10. Christian Dior Sauvage

Christian Dior Sauvage offers aromatic freshness and spice at the same time, so it's both comforting and exciting: a unique mixture, to say the least. Some of the most interesting notes in this cologne for men include Tonka bean, which is mixed with leather and bitter aromas. Sri Lankan sandalwood adds some extra masculine energy to the mix, making it a top choice for manly fellows who want something to go perfectly with their fine leather watches and belts.

That’s not all. Calabrian bergamot and Sichuan pepper mingle with the above notes, as well as fragrances like pink pepper, lavender, and uranium, to make the ideal fragrance for outdoor activities in the spring or summer. Notably, this fragrance may also work for some women!

11. Raw Pheromone Cologne

Raw Pheromone Cologne has established quite a reputation over the last few years, and there's a reason for that: it's a go-to choice for men looking to maximize their chemistry and sexual appeal, all without any parabens, alcohol, silicone, or plastics. It's made with natural ingredients designed to hack straight into human chemistry.

Notes of lavender, pink pepper, geranium, bergamot, and patchouli mix perfectly, resulting in a high-end, luxury-scented experience that is intended to entice and attract attention from others in your social group. It also comes in great-looking, executive packaging. If the journey to picking a fragrance starts with our eyes, rest assured that Raw Pheromone will look great on your shelf or bathroom countertop, well before you apply it to your pulse points.

12. Versace L’Homme

Versace L’Homme is a spray cologne for men that comes with a lemon scent by default, although you can alternatively opt for a more complex fragrance with notes of jasmine, musk, fruit, wood, and orange. In either case, you’ll find that this Naples-inspired fragrance is perfect for men looking to elevate their class while harkening back to an older time.

The fragrance was first created in 1984, and the formula hasn’t changed since that day. It’s simple, traditional, and masculine in a timeless way – what’s not to like?

13. Dolce & Gabbana The One

The One from Dolce & Gabbana is a top Eau de Parfum spray, reflecting the character of the masculine hero. Its scent mix brings forth imagery and feelings to enhance charisma and seduction, while also affecting a character who is elegant and sophisticated. Men who find value in taking care of themselves and their appearances will find a perfect fragrance partner in The One.

When you apply this cologne, you’ll note fragrances like basil, coriander, and grapefruit. Oriental spicy signatures add a bit of extra excitement, such as intense tobacco, ginger, and cardamom, as well as orange blossom. All in all, it’s a very deep fragrance experience that will offer something new and interesting to detect each time you apply it (and each time someone smells it on you).

14. 1 Million by Paco Rabanne

1 Million is, as its name suggests, a cologne for men unlike any other. Indeed, it’s a collector’s edition fragrance featuring intriguing notes of blood Mandarin, mint, grapefruit, rose, cinnamon, leather, Indian patchouli, and wood. Think of it as a “greatest hits” cologne that includes many of the most popular fragrances for men around the world, not just in America.

On top of that, this cologne uses natural, completely healthy ingredients, so you can rest assured that it will establish you as an engaging and attractive man without drying out your skin. Don’t forget the exceptional box and gold lettering. When you order this cologne, you’ll feel like a million bucks.

15. Polo Black by Ralph Lauren

Polo Black is stark, bold, and perfect for men going to black-tie events. Just take a look at the bottle and box – white, silver, and black showcase just how serious this fragrance is. Indeed, one whiff and you'll detect the bold fusion of patchouli noir, silver armoise, and mango, offering an elegant, classy fragrance for men of the upper class (or who wish to be a part of the upper class).

It was originally introduced in 2005 by Ralph Lauren's design house. To this day, it's primarily used by men who want to dress up and smell great for special occasions. Whether you're heading to a wedding, award ceremony, or a fancy date with your significant other, the nutmeg-infused espresso and blended spiced mango notes will energize your seductive nature and charisma like never before.

16. Yves Saint Lauren Y for Men

Yves Saint Lauren is a bit pricey, but it’s well worth the cost. This spicy and woody fragrance is ideal for young men at the top of their games and the primes of their lives. It’s juicy, elegant, appealing, and bright to the max, featuring top notes of bergamot, ginger, and white aldehydes.

Further along the fragrance's lifespan, you'll notice notes of germanium, sage, and violet leaf, finally finishing off with cedar and musk notes complemented by incense and fir balsam. Such a complex fragrance is best applied gently and occasionally. You should generally wear this fragrance if you’re looking for something novel, exciting, and special – stay away from this fragrance for everyday activities or strolls downtown. Wear it when you need to impress (and dress to impress, at that).

17. Jaguar Classic Black

Last but not least is this classic cologne from Jaguar. The Classic Black fragrance mixes sandalwood, citrus, cedar, and orange notes: all staple smells for male-oriented colognes. Because of this time-tested and proven mixture, it’s a perfect choice for daily wear, and it is suitable for all skin types because it is made with high-quality, natural ingredients.

More importantly, Jaguar Classic Black lasts all day. You can apply it once in the morning and still find that the fragrance accompanies you throughout all of your daily activities well into the evening. As a result, it's perfect for applying before major business meetings or before heading out in the morning to socialize with your friends, significant other, and family members.

Why Should Men Wear Cologne?

Lots of guys could benefit from wearing cologne, but why?

Simply put, it’s because cologne enhances your aura and personal appeal. Each cologne product is a separate fragrance you apply to your person. Colognes are formulated with different ingredients to evoke different feelings, sensations, or interest levels.

For example, if you apply a cologne with spicy or sensual fragrances, like pepper, someone standing at a conversational distance from you will pick up that scent and it will affect their assessment of you as a person. It's easy to imagine how this can enhance your natural charm and charisma, especially in romantic or sensual settings.

However, cologne can also be used in professional or other social contexts. People simply like to smell good, and that goes for men and women. If you also like to smell good – and you consider fragrance to be an important part of your overall aesthetic or style – cologne is your ideal option. Technically, cologne is the same thing as perfume: the two product types are simply called different things for marketing purposes. But both accomplish the same goals.

Be sure to know when to apply cologne, though, and what type of cologne you should use. For example, cologne products with everyday, fresh, bright fragrances or notes are better for daily wear when you are out and about, or when you are going on a casual date.

Cologne products with more serious notes like bergamot and cedar are ideal for more serious occasions, like fancy parties or dinners at nice restaurants. On top of that, you don't have to wear cologne all the time.

How to Apply Cologne

Having the right cologne for your aesthetic and mood is just the start. You also need to know how to apply cologne for maximum effect, and there’s definitely a wrong way to do so!

The key thing to remember when applying cologne is not to apply too much at any point. If you apply too much cologne to your body, the fragrance will be overwhelming, and you'll be more likely to turn people away than draw them into your circle. Cologne fragrances are meant to be strong on purpose so you only have to use a little bit to achieve their maximum effect.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply cologne correctly and stylishly:

• First, take a shower. Most cologne products smell better when they are applied to your freshly cleaned body, when body odors and the other fragrances of the day aren’t sticking around
• Next, completely dry your skin, then hold the cologne spray bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your body. Practically all cologne products come with spray bottles for easy application
• Apply the cologne by using a few brief spritzes. Don’t apply the cologne in long jets
• In addition, apply the cologne to heated areas on or around your body. These “pulse points” are most commonly the neck and collarbone, your wrists, and sometimes your forearms and inner elbows

You should apply cologne to the above areas because they’re places where the skin is relatively thin, so it’s warmer thanks to the heated blood flowing throughout your body. The heat helps to activate and spread the cologne fragrance around.

In the above cologne reviews, you probably noticed how many fragrance products have different notes at the beginning, middle, and end of their cycles. Those cycles start thanks to body heat. As you smell cologne on your wrist, for example, you’ll notice the top notes first, which will then progress to the middle notes and the end notes over time.

Plus, you should apply cologne to these areas because they’re maximally effective if someone gets close to you or your personal space gets smaller.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cologne last once applied to the skin?

When you apply cologne to your skin properly, it should last between three and five hours. However, this number can vary depending on things like your body heat, the kinds of clothes you wear, the quality of the cologne, and the concentration of the fragrance product (see more below).

What’s the difference between a cologne, fragrance, and perfume?

Technically, there’s no difference between cologne and perfume as the terms are used in common conversation. Cologne is simply a male-oriented fragrance, while a perfume is a female-oriented fragrance. Both cologne and perfume are fragrances, as in they are applied scents.

What are the most popular fragrances or notes in men’s cologne?

Most men’s colognes include a spread of some of the most popular notes and scents, such as cedar, sandalwood, bergamot, citrus, apple, leather, and ocean fragrances (sea breeze, coconut, etc.). That’s because many of these fragrances are associated with outdoor activities and masculinity in general.

However, each cologne is different, and many cologne products are notable precisely because of how they buck these trends. Be sure to read what each cologne has in terms of notes and scents, and especially how those notes progress, before buying.

How can you tell what the best fragrance is for yourself?

That’s a matter of experience and practice. If you’ve never worn cologne before, the only way to know what fragrance is ideal for you is through experimenting.

It’s a good idea to pick up a few cheap or affordable colognes, apply them a few times, and ask yourself whether they smell good on your body. If you have people you trust, you can also have them perform a sniff test and tell you their honest opinions.

The best cologne for you is heavily dependent on how your body chemistry interacts with the notes or fragrances in a given product. For some guys, for example, lighter, juicy fragrances with lots of citrus notes are ideal. Other men benefit from cologne products that have a lot of heavier notes, such as leather and bergamot.

Is it okay to wear a fragrance that’s designed for both men and women?

Yes, but be careful not to wear a product that has overly flowery notes. Flowery notes are heavily associated with femininity and perfume. If you wear a fragrance product like this, you could inadvertently cause embarrassment for yourself or make your entire style suffer.

Generally, colognes and fragrances advertised as unisex avoid overly gendered notes and stick with classic notes like citrus, coconut, apple, etc.

What are the different concentrations of fragrances?

Fragrances come in different concentrations, which describe how heavy or intense their fragrances are per droplet. In the order from most concentrated to least concentrated, the progression is:

• Parfum
• Eau de Parfum
• Eau de Toilette
• Eau de Cologne
• Eau Fraiche

Generally, the more concentrated a fragrance is, the less you need to apply to achieve the desired effect. For example, one spritz of Parfum around your neck is likely enough to get you through a social evening with a lot of mingling. But you may need a few spritzes of Eau Fraiche to get the same effect.

Should you reapply cologne after applying it once?

In a lot of cases, absolutely. If you apply fragrance in the morning, for example, don't be surprised if you need to reapply the fragrance toward the end of the day before going out for the evening. But if you apply a fragrance just before going out, you likely won't need to reapply it for the duration of the evening.

How should you store cologne?

To store cologne and ensure that it retains its potency and fragrance for a long time, you have to keep it in a cool, dry place that isn’t exposed to sunlight. Every fragrance, ranging from cologne to perfume, is degraded by heat and light, as well as humidity.

Therefore, keep your colognes out of the sun! If your bathroom is humid, store them in a different cabinet since humidity can also have a negative effect. When you store cologne properly, it should last for between three and five years.