You’re stuck with your favorite scents. It’s now time to explore the unknown. This guide will help you find the best-smelling men’s colognes to keep you smelling great through the year 2022.
Take the time to expand and experiment with your collection instead of sticking with what’s popular. Make your signature cologne match your personality and mood.
Greta Pelle, fragrance director of Good Chemistry says that “fragrance can be a powerful but invisible accessory–a way to punctuate your personal style.” “A lot of times, there is no single way to express ourselves or our unique preferences and personalities.”
According to Fragrances Of The World, in 1971 there were over 20 men and women fragrances released. This number will be over 2700 in 2021. It’s a difficult task to navigate through all the fragrances available. Now you won’t need to.
What is the best-smelling cologne available for men? After researching hundreds of colognes I’ll help you choose the right combination to suit every season and occasion.
Scroll down for the top 20 colognes that you should try by 2022.
Takeaways
Do you want to reinvent yourself or does your signature fragrance no longer stand out? The 20 most scented colognes are listed in this foolproof guide. It’s always a good idea to add new scents to your arsenal. To make scrolling easier, I have calculated costs, determined the longevity of the scents, and decided the season-appropriateness of each. Now all you have to do is click ‘Add To Cart’.
Tom Ford is a must-have for any list of best men’s cologne.
The oud smells exotic, powerful, and animalistic. The wrong hands can make oud heavy cologne feel like an inhalation punch. Tom Ford’s expert nose, on the other hand, blends this powerful ingredient with spices, smoky wooden notes, vanilla and soft tonka beans for a well rounded juice.
Tom Ford Oud Wood has a seductive scent that is chic and mysterious. It’s what I expect James Bond of today to wear. Tom Ford, who has been designing 007’s suits for the silver screen since 2008 is responsible. You’ve found the right place if you want to add a little dark elegance to your “fragrance wardrobe”.
Middle Notes: Birch tar, incense
Halloween Man X proves that it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money to be able to smell great in 2022. Jesus Del Pozzo, a Spanish designer is behind the Halloween fragrances.
Halloween Man X has a gourmand, amber fragrance. While the opening has a spicy citrus note, it is followed by a heart of whiskey, coffee, cinnamon, leather and tonka. The base also contains incense, tonka and amber.
This fragrance, which costs just under $40 for 4.2 oz., is a great budget choice. Halloween Man X makes a great nighttime or cold weather scent.
Middle Notes: Coffee, whiskey, cinnamon, leather
In summer I like to imagine a cologne that smells of citrus and juicy fruits. I do like summer scents that have depth.
Opening with a fruity, light and uplifting scent, the opening features a red apple, citrusy Bergamot and spicy Cardamom.
The sweetness becomes deeper over time. Middle and base notes are geranium and lavender.
The floral and woody blend is warm, aromatic, but not too sweet in the heat. The Valentino summer cologne will not fade after two hours.
Middle Notes: Geranium, lavender, clary sage
You can choose a fragrance for fall that will lift your spirits if, like myself, you mourn the end of summer and the warmer days.
Ralph Lauren Polo Black has some notes of tropical and sunny weather, but a rich base. This combination of warm and cool weather notes is the perfect cologne to wear during this season transition.
Mango is the dominant note in this fragrance and it lingers. Sandalwood is the second dominant note. The other notes are wormwood, wormwood, patchouli and lemon.
Ralph Lauren Polo Black is a great transitional scent from the daytime to the night. For the day, I choose fewer sprays to customize the strength.
Middle Notes: Sage, wormwood
Men’s winter cologne should be more intense in order to project over cooler temperatures. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. La Nuit De L’Homme, a refined winter fragrance for men is fresh and sophisticated.
Cardamom is the top note that gives this fragrance a spicy, fresh opening. Bergamot adds a citrusy element that blends well with cedarwood, caraway, lavender and vetiver. The longevity is not great, so to boost it I spray my clothes as well.
La Nuit de L’Homme is for you if your ideal winter evening involves sipping fine wine at a bar in dim lighting rather than downing shot after shot in an overcrowded club.
Top Notes: Cardamom | Middle Notes: Lavender, cedar, bergamot | Base notes: Vetiver, caraway | Size: 6.7oz | Type: EDT
You’ve probably loved it so much that you want to keep the scent to yourself. It’s the same for me, and luckily for you, I am not a gatekeeper. So here is my favorite men’s spring cologne.
It was “cute” that my wife, who is a Bottega Veneta devotee, thought it would be cute for me and her to have matching fragrances. Yeah, I laughed too. I was sceptical until I reacted to the male version of Bottega Veneta Illusione.
Bottega Veneta Illusione smells like Italian springtime in a bottle. Bitter orange, lemons, white cedars, fir resins, tonka, vetiver and vetiver are sparkling aromas.
The longevity of a spring fragrance is good, lasting 5-6 hours before you need to reapply.
Middle Notes: White cedar, fir resin
Montale is the best choice if you want to choose a cologne that will last a long time. The French house of fragrance is known for its incredibly long-lasting scents.
Montale Wood and Spices has a rich earthy scent. Wood and Spices’s heavy notes of oud, sandalwood, and vetiver linger on your skin for 8-12 hours. Citrus is not mentioned in the notes but my nose picks it up.
It is not necessary to mention that projection also works in beast mode. This will fill the entire room with your fragrance in just a few sprays.
Top Notes: Sandalwood | Middle Notes: Incense | Base notes: Oud, vetiver | Size: 1.7oz | Type: EDP
Carolina Herrera Bad Boy will be your perfect companion for special events, dates and nights out. The colognes that are marketed to younger men can be immature and one-note. This is not the case for Carolina Herrera Bad Boy.
Bad Boy has it all: spicy, sweet, warm and woody. The base contains a fun element, the cacao. It’s not a sweet, milky chocolate, but a green, bitter cocoa which pairs nicely with pepper.
Carolina Herrera Bad Boy will make you smell great. It is perfect for guys who like to be complimented about their fragrance. Blindly buying this crowd pleasing fragrance can be a safe purchase.
Middle Notes: Sage, cedar
Parfums de Marly Layton, inspired by the Versailles opulence, is a high-end, elegant scent perfect for any special occasion. Layton, the most opulent men’s fragrance for those who want to enhance their style.
Parfums de Marly combines cardamom, vanilla cream and florals. Citrus fruit and apples awaken your senses, before you settle into the green woody scent.
Layton’s versatility is unmatched. This fragrance is not as popular in winter. Layton’s performance is dampened by the cold.
Layton is a premium fragrance. The average longevity of the scent is 8-12 hours.
Middle Notes: Geranium, violet, jasmine
Acqua Di Gio was inspired by Giorgio Armani’s favorite vacation destination, Pantelleria in Sicily. This cologne has the best scents of the Mediterranean, and is both light and warm.
This fragrance is not overpowering or cloying. It will leave you feeling fresh and smelling good. This is the fragrance to choose if you’re looking to leave a good impression.
Never spray it directly on my clothing to ensure I smell friendly. Acqua di Gio’s confidence-boosting scent makes it the perfect cologne to wear at work.
Middle Notes: Sea notes, jasmine, peach, freesia, rosemary, hyacinth, cyclamen, violet, coriander, nutmeg, rose
The modern scent is the best-smelling cologne ever for men. It’s the essence of Hugo Boss in a bottle.
You won’t be disappointed by this sophisticated signature fragrance. The scent is initially crisp and fresh, but later the woody base notes with their spicy and warm notes take over. The fragrance is easy to use and has a mass appeal.
This is a great look for men of all ages, not just the 20-to-30-year olds. This is a great casual shirt for older men.
Hugo Boss is always my go-to cologne when I’m not sure what to choose. This timeless cologne will always be a part of my collection.
Top Notes: Apple, plum, bergamot, lemon, oakmoss, geranium | Middle Notes: Cinnamon, mahogany, carnation | Base notes: Vanilla, sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, olive tree | Size: 3.4oz | Type: EDT
Fragrance can boost our confidence and elevate our style. A high-end fragrance can be considered a good investment.
Creed comes to my mind when I consider luxury fragrances for men. What is the most enticing cologne in Creed’s lineup for men? It’s definitely the Viking, which is invigorating.
Creed Viking is a blend of citrus, florals and spices. The scent has a fresh, clean aroma that doesn’t overwhelm or overpower. Imagine walking through the Norwegian fjords and inhaling cold, crisp air. This is the Viking smell in a few words
Do you sound adventurous, rugged, and daring? You’ve found it!
Middle Notes: Lavender, rose, clove, allspice, jasmine, orris root
You may have noticed that cologne can sometimes make you sneeze, or give you headaches. A study shows that you’re not the only one who gets a headache after being exposed to strong scents like cologne for 2 hours.
No need to stop smelling great. Choose a light scent, and don’t spritz too much. Issey miyake’s L’eau d’issey Pour Homme is the best smelling cologne if you want something that’s easy to smell.
The L’eau D’issey Pour Femme is a light, citrusy, floral fragrance that works best during spring, summer and the day.
Avoid spraying cologne near your nose for added comfort. Avoid the chest and neck; opt instead for your wrists and inner arms.
Top Notes: Yuzu, lemon, bergamot, lemon verbena, mandarin, cypress, coriander, tarragon, sage | Middle Notes: Lotus, nutmeg, lily, saffron, geranium, cinnamon | Base notes: Vetiver, cedar, must, sandalwood, tobacco, amber| Size: 6.7oz | Type: EDT
The best-smelling men’s cologne in the category of fresh scents is this cult fragrance. Light Blue Pour Homme has a zesty and aquatic scent. This cologne would make a great gin-and-tonic drink with fresh lemon peel.
Opening notes include grapefruit, Sicilian Mandarin, Bergamot and Juniper. In the heart, you’ll find Brazilian rosewood and Brazilian rosemary. The base is musky and incense-scented oakmoss.
Light Blue Pour Homme goes perfectly with a white, crisp linen shirt. The fragrance performs best in warm weather, especially on summer and spring days.
Top Notes: Grapefruit, bergamot, Sicilian mandarin, juniper | Middle Notes: Pepper, rosemary, Brazilian rosewood | Base notes: Musk, incense, oakmoss | Size: 6.7oz | Type: EDT
Dolce & Gabbana’s Intenso, a woody, rich fragrance from two decades ago, is a modern retelling.
Intenso begins with a fresh, green scent of basil and lavender. Moepel accord is the new note in fragrances. The honey-balsamic note is a new, exciting niche that adds an exotic character to this blend.
Dolce & Gabbana did not stop at pushing boundaries. This base has a tobacco smoky scent with a dry, soft bran absolute.
The uniqueness makes this cologne sexy, and it draws people in. It is a cologne that’s both distinctive and unexpected. You will be remembered long after leaving a room.
Middle Notes: Tobacco, hay, clary sage, moepel accord, bran
Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s fragrance house is much more than the social media sensation Baccarat Rouge.
Oud will be a major player when it comes to the most popular notes for men’s fragrances in 2022. Oud Satin mood is a great way to decide if you want this powerful note.
The complex fragrance is an example of how to make a scent that’s as soft as satin, yet as strong and memorable. This masculine scent is softened by Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose and vanilla.
This rich and sensual fragrance really comes to life in the fall and winter.
Top Notes: Rose, violet | Middle Notes: Benzoin| Base notes: Vanilla, oud | Size: 2.4oz | Type: EDP
Jimmy Choo Man intense suits important meetings and special occasions.
Opening notes include melon, mandarin, and a sweet fruity note. You might be thinking that melon isn’t a word you would associate with sophistication. This fruity mix is taken to another level when combined with geranium and pepper.
This is my favorite men’s fragrance to wear when I need to feel confident or to command respect.
Top Notes: Melon, lavender, mandarin orange | Middle Notes: Geranium, black pepper, artemisia| Base notes: Tonka bean, patchouli, labdanum| Size: 3.4oz | Type: EDP
Gucci Guilty is a sexy, intense perfume in a sleek matte black bottle embossed with the G logo. Nothing says “I’m ready to go out” like Gucci Guilty.
Top notes of balsamic, chili, and rose are the most powerful for this best-smelling cologne. Orange blossom, French lavendar, and neroli are the middle notes. After 15-20 minutes it is all about the bottom. The woody cedar with sweet, smoky patchesouli is the best dry down.
This is the perfect way to get your friends’ attention on a night of fun.
Top Notes: Rose, balsamic vinegar, chili pepper, salt | Middle Notes: lavender, orange blossom, neroli | Base notes: Cedar, patchouli | Size: 5oz | Type: EDP
This cologne has a name that says it all: It’s the bomb. This is a fragrance with a lot of energy. It combines woody, oriental and spicy notes.
The projection is moderate to high. Its longevity is above average. This fragrance is great for daytime wear, but it really shines at night with its sensual and powerful scent.
Initial explosions are bergamot, citrus and leather. The spicy middle notes are enjoyable, but the tobacco, leather and vetiver in the dry-down make it my favorite.
Pull the pin to release the weapon of mass olfactory sexism.
Middle Notes: Cinnamon, saffron, paprika
This floral cologne is the best for men. Elegance, irony, and florals are not two things that go together. Toy Boy is an edgy cologne that’s easy to use, yet complex. It will get you compliments.
It’s a great piece to wear for spring flirty events. Think of Florence Pugh and a negroni in an rooftop bar instead of warm beer on sticky tables.
The bottle is the most recognizable feature of this product. The flacon shaped like a teddy bear may seem juvenile to some, but novelty bottles are my favorite. This is a must have cologne for confident, carefree guys who enjoy a good laugh.
Top Notes: Pink pepper, pear, Indonesian nutmeg, elemi, bergamot | Middle Notes: Rose, magnolia, clove, flax | Base notes: Casherman, Haitian vetiver, sandalwood, amber| Size: 3.4oz| Type: EDT
How to Choose the Best Colognes Smelling for Men
Does last a long time?
You will experience different longevity results depending on the cologne and your skin type. This list’s lightest and best-smelling colognes for men will be eau de toilettes, like Issey miyake L’eau D’issey pour Homme. The fragrance is concentrated at 15-20% and lasts for about 3-5 hours.
Spend a lot on Eau de Parfum if you really want to get the best lasting power. With a concentration of 20-30% fragrance oil, this option gives you the longest lasting scent. Montale’s Wood and Spices is my go-to scent when I want a lasting fragrance. The scent of this particular perfume lingers for more than just a few hours on my clothing.
Does it have a seasonal effect?
It’s your choice to change the scent of your signature perfume with each season. For some guys, changing their signature scent is not worth it, but I think it’s completely worth it. In summer I would not wear a heavy sweater and in winter board shorts. The same is true when choosing the right cologne.
Jonny Webber, of Perfume Direct, explains that “summer fragrances are created to interact in a unique way with the body.” Summer perfumes are usually lighter, fruitier, and less volatile. This allows them to last longer, and is not as overpowering as perfumes more commonly associated with the winter. :”
I like Bottega Veneta Illusione in spring because of its citrusy Italian scent. Ralph Lauren Polo Black is my go-to black when the summer sunsets on my Valentino Uomo born in Roma Coral Fantasy. When winter comes, I’m ready to grab Yves Saint Laurent’s La Nuit de L’Homme.
Price
Men’s colognes are available in a variety of sizes and prices. Halloween Man X is a great option if you want a fragrance that’s affordable and you like the oriental fougere smells. The 4.2oz. bottle contains a blend of leather, coffee, cinnamon and tonka beans. It costs less than $50.
If you have a deeper wallet and want to treat yourself, Creed Viking is the way to go. Creed Viking was one of the best-smelling and most distinctive men’s fragrances that I smelled during 2022. It’s unique, and it isn’t mainstream.
Final Verdict
Explore the unknown and get your nose above the parapet of perfume. Expand your perfume collection instead of sticking with your signature fragrance. Make it count if you only plan to add one fragrance to your collection. Tom Ford Oud Woo has the most enticing scent of all men’s fragrances. This hedonistic scent is inspired by the exotic woods, heady spices and rare woods.
FAQ
What is the difference between cologne, perfume, and eau de toilette?
Cologne, perfume, and eau de toilette are all fragrances, but they differ in their strength and concentration. Cologne is the lightest and contains the least amount of fragrance oil, followed by eau de toilette, and then perfume, which is the strongest and contains the highest amount of fragrance oil.
What are some of the best smelling colognes for men?
There are many great smelling colognes for men, but some of the most popular and highly rated include Bleu de Chanel by Chanel, Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani, Sauvage by Dior, Aventus by Creed, and Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf.
What notes should I look for in a men’s cologne?
There are three main fragrance notes in a cologne: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Top notes are the initial scents you smell, and they usually last for around 30 minutes to an hour. Middle notes are the heart of the fragrance and last for several hours, while base notes are the foundation of the scent and can last for several hours or even days. Some popular notes to look for in a men’s cologne include citrus, woody, spicy, floral, and musk.
How should I apply cologne?
The best way to apply cologne is to spray it on your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. Start with one or two sprays and see how the scent develops on your skin before applying more.
How long does cologne last?
The longevity of cologne varies depending on the fragrance, the concentration, and your body chemistry. Generally, a cologne can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on how strong it is and how much you apply.
Should I wear cologne every day?
It’s up to you whether or not you want to wear cologne every day. Some people wear cologne every day as part of their personal grooming routine, while others reserve it for special occasions or when they want to make a statement with their scent.