A good cologne is often the missing piece in a man’s carefully crafted image. A perfect outfit and a fresh haircut only go so far. As well as boosting your confidence, the right scent can take your style to the next level.
While there’s a wide range of colognes available, only a handful have the versatility and complexity to suit the contemporary man’s lifestyle. If you’re on the hunt for your signature scent, you’ve come to the right place: We’re going to take a deep dive into some of the most sought-after scents this year. Keep reading to learn about the most popular colognes for men in 2023.
What to Keep in Mind When Looking For a Cologne
There’s more to picking out cologne than just finding something that smells nice. As you’re shopping around for your ideal cologne match, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Staying Power
You don’t want your cologne to fade within an hour of applying it, so it’s important to find one that will last throughout the day. While there are a few tips and tricks you can use to extend the life of your cologne (we’ll talk about those more below), you’ll also want to consider what type of cologne you want to use for the best results.
As you’re shopping, you’ll see three common cologne types: eau de toilette (EDT), eau de parfum (EDP) and parfum. EDTs are the lightest of these scents, and typically have a 5% to 15% concentration of fragrance oils. Some men go for EDTs for daily use since they’re more subtle, but keep in mind that they will typically fade within three hours. Many men find these are too light for their preferences, but they can be suitable options for those who like to take a low-key approach to scent.
The next step up is EDP, which has a 15% to 20% concentration of fragrance oils. This is one of the most popular options, because it offers good staying power (typically at least four to five hours) without being too pricey.
After EDPs, you have parfums, which are made with a 20% to 30% concentration. As you can guess, parfums have the best staying power, and linger on the skin throughout the day (generally up to eight hours). However, they’re typically sold at higher price points since they are so concentrated. This means a parfum may not be your best option for daily wear.
EDPs offer the best value regarding staying power, but you might consider investing in a parfum for special occasions. That said, many find that EDPs offer the desired staying power – it ultimately comes down to the specific formula and how you apply it.
Scent Preferences
To simplify the process of finding your cologne, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different fragrance families and make note of what you gravitate toward. The four main fragrance families are floral, amber, fresh and woody.
The floral family can include scents like rose, orange blossom, iris, jasmine and lily, as well as fruity scents like peach and pear. While you may not think to look for floral notes in men’s colognes, most expertly blended scents use florals to add complexity to the fragrance profile.
The amber (also known as oriental) family includes warm, herbal and spicy scents. Popular notes used in men’s colognes include myrrh, vanilla, anise and amber.
The fresh fragrance family is made up of bright, clean, citrusy and aquatic scents found in most colognes. These include bergamot, sage, grapefruit, lavender and mandarin.
Notes from the woody family are also frequently found in colognes, and include a range of warm, rich scents. They include cedar, sandalwood, oakmoss, vetiver and leather.
Top versus Heart versus Base Notes
As well as understanding fragrance families, it’s important to understand what the different notes indicate. Here’s a quick guide:
- Top Notes: These opening notes are the ones you detect immediately. Typically, these are light, fresh scents, and will evaporate within approximately 15 minutes.
- Heart Notes: Also known as middle notes, heart notes make up most of the fragrance experience, and serve as a transition to the base notes. They can include floral and earthy scents, and can last anywhere from one to four hours.
- Base Notes: After the heart notes fade away, you’re left with the base notes. These tend to be deeper, richer scents, and may last up to six hours.
Lifestyle and Needs
Consider exactly what it is that you need from your cologne. Are you looking for something fresh yet subdued to wear to the office on a daily basis, or are you looking for a bold, statement-making scent? Alternatively, you might want something in the middle that can transition from a day at the office to a night out on the town. Knowing exactly when and where you’ll be wearing your cologne can help you narrow down your choices to find your best match.
Bottle Design
Some men may not care too much about bottle design. However, if you’re planning on keeping your bottle in plain sight, you’ll want to make sure you’re picking a bottle that isn’t an eyesore – especially if you’re looking for your long-term signature scent.
How to Make a Cologne Last
While choosing a cologne that has decent staying power is essential, you can also do a few things to ensure your fragrance lasts as long as possible. Here are the best cologne application methods to keep you smelling fresh all day long:
- Apply After Showering or Moisturizing: Fragrances absorb better in a moist environment. When applied to dry skin, your cologne can actually evaporate (and fade) much faster. It’s a good idea to spray your cologne onto damp skin after showering or after applying a moisturizer. You can also rub a bit of Vaseline on the skin for a quick fix before spraying your cologne.
- Apply to Pulse Points: Pulse points are areas of the body that are naturally warmer, since the blood vessels are closer to the skin. They include the inner elbows, sides of the neck, back of the knees and chest. Spritzing your cologne in one of these warm areas can amplify the scent and make it last longer. While your wrists are also pulse points, keep in mind that there’s a risk that you’ll scrub the scent away as you wash your hands throughout the day.
- Don’t Rub: Many people tend to rub the fragrance into their skin after spraying, particularly when applying to the wrists. However, this can hinder the scent’s lasting power, and will make the top notes evaporate even faster. Instead, let your fragrance sit after spraying to allow it to blend with the natural oil and moisture of your skin.
Now that we got a bit of fragrance education out of the way, let’s take a look at the most popular colognes for men in 2023.
Ever since men’s grooming brand Blu Atlas introduced its line of products to the market, Atlantis has become one of our top cologne picks. This complex eau de parfum was inspired by explorations in the jungles of Bali, and is perfect for any man with an adventurous streak. After testing it out, we were happy to see that the scent stayed on the skin throughout the day, making it a suitable option for both daily wear and special events.
Atlantis opens up with top notes of bergamot, blackcurrant and lemon. As the scent settles, you’ll experience fruity and herby notes of clary sage, lavender, peach and apricot. At the base of the fragrance are inviting notes of orris, violet, oakmoss, ambrette seed and musk, which linger on the skin.
We can’t say enough about the sleek and classic matte black bottle, which has a satisfying magnetic cap. We also appreciate the clean, premium formula. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, and made without preservatives, parabens, phthalates or synthetic dyes.
2. AllSaints Sunset Riot
The line between perfumes and colognes has become increasingly blurred over the years. This unisex EDP from AllSaints perfectly marries the idea of masculine and feminine scents to create a single enticing fragrance that anyone can enjoy.
Sunset Riot is centered on the woody and floral fragrance families. A top note of pink pepper adds a spicy touch that blends beautifully with the heart note of fresh and cool orange flower. At the base of the EDP, you have rich and earthy cedarwood.
AllSaints decided to keep it classic and minimal when it came to bottle design. The EDP is packaged in a clear square bottle with a simple neutral label. The stone-like cap adds a natural touch.
3. Versace Eros
This eau de toilette from Versace has been a favorite among scent aficionados for nearly a decade and remains one of our top picks in 2023. Eros is a well-rounded woody, amber fragrance topped with fresh notes. It’s created for the powerful man who wants to make a lasting impression. This is a strong scent that has an impressive staying power for an EDT.
Versace’s Eros opens with fresh and citrusy notes of Italian lemon and mandarin and mint and candied apple. In the middle are floral and earthy notes of clary sage, geranium flower and ambermax. The cologne finishes at the base with a complex blend of cedarwood, vetiver orpur, patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla.
Just like the scent, the bottle makes a powerful impression. The cologne is housed in a bright turquoise bottle accented with gold, and features the embossed head of Medusa.
4. Tom Ford Ombré Leather Parfum
Tom Ford’s Ombré Leather Parfum is a warm, woodsy fragrance with layered floral notes. This luxurious cologne was created to capture the spirit of the American West.
This cologne has key notes of violet leaf, black leather and cedarwood. These merge with green tobacco for a spicy and inviting fragrance profile.
Ombré Leather is packaged in a modern, clean, matte black bottle with a faux-leather plaque. Since it’s a parfum, it’s a popular option among men looking for long-lasting cologne for special occasions.
5. Maison Margiela Replica At the Barber’s
If you’re looking for a cologne that will leave you smelling fresh and clean all day long, At the Barber’s (part of Maison Margiela’s Replica collection) should be your go-to daily scent. This elegantly masculine cologne has a woody and citrusy scent reminiscent of a nostalgic visit to an old-school barber’s shop. While it is an EDT, this cologne (along with other fragrances in the Replica collection) has impressive staying power.
At the Barber’s has top notes of basil accord, black pepper essence and bigarade oil (the latter is bitter orange leaf oil, which has a green and subtle floral aroma). The middle notes feature geranium oil, rosemary oil and lavender essence. As you continue to wear the cologne, you’ll notice notes of tonka bean, white musk and mossy evernyl.
Like the other fragrances in the Replica collection, this EDT is packaged in a bottle inspired by apothecary jars. It has a rope wrapped around the pump, and a label made of 100% cotton that resembles tags used in the brand’s clothing.
6. Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory
Paco Rabanne’s Invictus Victory is a rich and spicy EDP that’s balanced with fresh notes for a uniquely complex fragrance. It’s a masculine scent that is perfectly crafted for the man who wants to add a touch of boldness to his style.
Invictus Victory opens with notes of lemon and pink pepper for a spicy and citrusy start. The heart notes reveal incense and lavender, while the base notes blend rich and inviting tonka bean and amber.
The bottle for Invictus Victory is just as bold as the scent. Staying true to the name, this cologne is housed in a glossy black trophy bottle, with a single gold “V” on the label.
7. Byredo Bibliothèque
For the bibliophiles out there, luxury fragrance brand Byredo offers Bibliothèque. The woody, warm scent will remind you of getting lost in a leatherbound book. While it’s certainly a splurge, this best-selling EDP has been a favorite among both men and women since its launch in 2017.
Bibliothèque starts with fresh and fruity top notes of peach and plum. The floral middle notes of peony and violet are expertly balanced by the rich, enticing base notes of patchouli, leather and vanilla.
Along with all other Byredo fragrances, Bibliothèque is packaged in a minimalist glass bottle. It has a simple white label and a black magnetic cap.
8. Sauvage by Dior
Dior has long been a leader in the world of luxury fragrances, and the Sauvage EDT is one of their most popular men’s colognes. No matter where you are, this fresh and woody cologne will transport you to the great outdoors.
The cologne starts with a top note of bright, citrusy bergamot sourced from Calabria, Italy. This sparkling scent is balanced by notes of pepper and amber wood at the middle and base.
Sauvage by Dior is packaged in a simple, classic dark blue and black bottle. We’re especially happy that the company has launched a new, more eco-friendly bottle design that can be refilled to reduce waste. For a personal touch, you can purchase your bottle with an ebony or wenge wood cap and can even order custom bottle engraving.
9. Yves Saint Laurent Y
Y by Yves Saint Laurent is one of the most sought-after fresh and woody colognes. The company’s signature men’s fragrance is a suitable match for any man looking to add a bit of sophistication to his daily style.
The cologne starts with bright notes of bergamot, ginger and apple. In the middle, sage is joined by geranium and juniper berries. As the cologne settles into the skin, you’ll notice richer base notes of vetiver, tonka, cedar, amber woods and frankincense.
The bottle for Y is inspired by the signature look of Yves Saint Laurent – specifically, a classic white T-shirt paired with a black jacket. The glass bottle transitions from dark blue to black, and has a sleek silver label. It can also be engraved for a personalized touch.
10. Henry Rose Fog
If you’re after an earthy and green scent that makes you feel like you’re out for a stroll in a meadow, you’ll want to try Fog from Henry Rose. This unisex EDP balances fresh and warm notes for a well-rounded scent.
Fog begins with top notes of floral muguet and bright citrus. The middle notes combine white wood with magnolia, and the base brings warmth to the EDP with notes of sandalwood, vetiver, amber woods and musk.
All Henry Rose fragrances are housed in a minimal, classic rounded glass bottle with a black top. In addition to the great scent and sleek packaging, we love that the formula is cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and free of parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde.
11. Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb
You can never go wrong with Viktor & Rolf’s Spicebomb, which became an instant classic when it was introduced to the market over a decade ago. As the name suggests, the EDT packs a powerful punch of warm, bold scents.
Spicebomb opens with fresh notes of bergamot, grapefruit and pink pepper. The masculine cologne balances this freshness with rich notes of sage, roasted almonds, chili, saffron and cinnamon. The scent is grounded with tobacco, aged leather and vetiver.
True to its name, the dark gray and black accented bottle is shaped like a grenade, which can also be personalized with custom engraving.
12. Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense
Jo Malone is a master of scents for both men and women, and this fragrance is one of the brand’s finest. The Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense has a captivating smoky aroma that’s particularly nice in the cooler months. It’s one of the most popular colognes for men who are seeking something dark and mysterious.
This warm and spicy cologne has fresh top notes of bright bergamot and orange. The middle note features earthy cedarwood, while the base is made of resinous oud.
Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense is packaged in a dark rectangular bottle with a sleek silver cap that matches the label.
13. Malin + Goetz Stem
This unique EDP from grooming company Malin + Goetz takes a different approach to garden-inspired fragrances. Instead of centering around floral scents, this fresh scent is influenced by leaves, stems and soil.
Stem has bright top notes of mandarin leaves, hyacinth florets and wild freesia greens. The middle aromas include notes of rose stems, jasmine, and muguet flower stalk. At the base, the EDP is balanced by woody and earthy notes of white cedar, musk, vetiver and ambrox super.
The packaging is as clean and fresh as the scent: a simple rounded glass bottle with white print. We’re happy to report that the formula is both vegetarian-friendly and cruelty-free.
14. Hermès H24
For the man looking for a bright and lively scent, there’s H24 from Hermès. This EDT has a warm, woody fragrance that transitions beautifully from season to season.
H24 combines earthy sage with the subtly sweet floral scent of narcissus. These notes are balanced with rosewood and the dry woodiness of sclarene.
Like many of the most popular brands on the market, Hermès took a classic and sophisticated approach to its packaging. The sleek clear glass bottle has a silver cap, top, and simple branding.
15. Le Labo Santal 33
Le Labo’s Santal 33 is one of the company’s most beloved fragrances. The unisex EDP was created to capture the essence of the desert wind and the open plains of the American West.
The masculine EDP has floral notes of iris and violet, which are blended with spicy cardamom. Australian sandalwood and cedarwood partner with musk and leather for an enticing, well-rounded scent.
Le Labo’s Santal 33 is offered in the company’s iconic hand-labeled clear glass bottle, which can also be personalized. In order to cut down on waste, the company offers a refill program for their 50ml and 100ml EDPs.
16. Valentino Uomo Born in Roma
Valentino’s Uomo Born in Roma was inspired by Rome’s rich and glamorous history and is made with the bold modern man in mind. The luxury EDT has a spicy and warm fragrance profile that opens up with violet leaf and woody cedar. At the middle, the cologne features strong and earthy notes of sage and smoked vetiver. Finally, at the base, you’ll enjoy mineral salt, fresh Indian ginger, and agalwood and guaiac wood.
While many of the most popular colognes of the year take a minimalist approach to their packaging, Valentino’s Uomo Born in Roma has a more playful vibe. The all-black studded bottle has a cool and edgy feel, which is contrasted with bright pink text on the label. For a special touch, the company offers the option of personal engraving.
17. Maison Margiela Replica Soul of the Forest
Maison Margiela’s Soul of the Forest deserves a spot in your grooming routine if you feel most at home in nature. This unisex EDP is packed with natural woody scents that are expertly blended with warm and green notes.
Soul of the Forest starts with notes of blackcurrant buds, spicy pimento berries, and pepper. The middle notes are made up of fir balsam, maple sap and labdanum, while the base features cedarwood, moss, incense and patchouli.
While the Soul of the Forest bottle has a similar shape to At the Barber’s, this EDP is packaged in a black glass bottle with a metallic label for a bolder look.
18. Montblanc Legend
Montblanc’s Legend artfully strikes a balance between modern and classic. It has stood the test of time since its launch in 2011.
This EDT starts on a lively fresh note, with aromas of Italian bergamot, pineapple leaves and French lavandin. In the middle, the cologne has woody and floral notes of geranium, rose, fresh jasmine and evernyl. As the cologne dries down, you’ll be enveloped in tonka bean and sandalwood notes.
The bottle for Montblanc’s Legend is just as bold and sleek as the fragrance profile, and will look superb on any man’s dresser. The glossy opaque black bottle has a simple metallic top.
from The Salt Lake Tribune https://ift.tt/edraYox
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