We know that our odor is something we all worry about, especially over the hot summer months. Most of us have resorted to cheap sprays from our local supermarket that often do more harm than good - these usually offer disappointingly short life-spans, smell too sharply, and clog your nostrils like smog. After many trials and tribulations with male fragrances, we’ve learned a good cologne is a worthwhile investment for beating the summer stench.
Have you ever walked into a room, smelled someone’s wafting cologne and thought man, that smells awesome? Someone’s fragrance is often the first thing we notice, and it’s one of the main traits we remember. It holds power. Summer is a time of freshness and energy, so there’s no better time to pick up your cologne game and make an impression on those around you. Don’t be dissuaded by the hefty price tags of some high-end colognes. There are plenty of affordable options that smell just as good, if not better, than the pricey stuff.
We believe the best colognes for the hot season must encapsulate the quintessential summer experience: warm temperatures, long nights, cool breezes, days spent at the beach or lounging by a lake, and dates over drinks at a harbor.
That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and curated a collection of the top fragrances that every man should try this summer. Whether you’re just starting your cologne journey or you’re looking to expand your collection, here’s our list of the 15 best summer colognes for men in 2022. Each one is sure to give you the summer of a lifetime.
Instead of saving the best for last, we’ve placed Blu Atlas’ Atlantis as number one on our list of the 15 best summer colognes for men. Made in New York using eco-friendly ingredients, this aromatic and earthy scent certainly deserves all the hype — and more. Most male perfumes released nowadays are carbon copies of each other, but Blu Atlas offers a fresh and passionate approach, re-inventing the meaning of colognes through high-quality components, craftsmanship, and vision.
Key notes of zesty bergamot, sweet, aquatic clary sage, and musky patchouli swirl together to create a citrusy and woodsy appeal — the perfect fragrance to kick off the summer. Reminiscent of hot Mediterranean nights, clary sage and bergamot promise a bit of spice, and they’re underlaid by patchouli, which is known for its natural healing and stress-relieving properties.
Not only does this combination smell fantastic, but its longevity is unbeatable, and a little goes a long way. The sleek and sophisticated bottle design is reflective of Blu Atlas’ fundamental principles: keep it clean, keep it simple, and use all-natural ingredients with no artificial fragrances. We appreciate Blu Atlas’ transparency in delivering only the best of the best, without cutting corners.
For men seeking something out of the ordinary, Blu Atlas strives to break convention. It challenges the confines of regular perfumery and exudes a free-thinking energy. Give yourself a confidence boost and make a splash on those long summer nights with Atlantis. You won’t find another cologne this good (trust us, we’ve tried).
2. Byredo - Eleventh Hour
Swooping in at number two is Eleventh Hour by Byredo, an exquisitely layered and ambitious scent formulated by a perfume powerhouse. The pros at Byredo pride themselves on crafting dynamic fragrances for both men and women, so don’t be surprised by the amount of compliments you’ll receive when wearing Eleventh Hour — or how often you’ll find yourself reaching for it.
The eternally-loved bergamot produces a melodious harmony with ban timmur, a pepper found in the Nepalese mountains and known for its irreplaceable spicy smell. These are entwined around a heart of rum, carrot seed, and wild fig, adding a fruity and earthy nuance to the spice that totally enriches the experience.
A new go-to scent, this is an olfactory exploration for adventurous souls, transitioning from the earthy warmth of a deep, cool forest to the crispness of a white-sand beach. Just dab a small amount on your pulse points and you’re good to go.
There’s something to be said about colognes that are not only worn, but experienced. Eleventh Hour offers something unique for those looking to expand their collection and elevate their scent style over the hotter months. Take yourself to new heights this summer with Byredo’s innovative fragrance.
3. Vacation - Vacation
Look no further than Vacation by world-famous sunscreen brand Vacation for your quintessential summer scent. Living up to its name, this fragrance is packed with all the goodness associated with the heart of summer. It evokes feelings of lounging on the hot sand during long, lazy days at the beach, with the fresh ocean lapping your toes and a film of sunscreen coating your sun-toasted skin.
Scent developers Carlos Huber and Rodrigo Flores-Roux wanted to recreate the classic notes of sunscreen to envelop the wearer in the “sunscreen experience.” This has turned out to be something masterful: not only does it smell incredible, but the fragrance has a transformational and nostalgic quality sure to resurface memories of youthful summers at the poolside.
They’ve even included hints of swimsuit lycra and chlorine. How have they managed to nail the scent and make it delicious? We have no idea. You’ll just have to smell it to believe it.
Don’t be turned off by the idea of a sunscreen-scented cologne. Infused into the fragrance is a blend of coconut, banana, pineapple, and orange blossom — all the juicy sweetness you’ll find in a fruit smoothie sipped laying on a pool inflatable (with the little umbrella sticking out of the top of the glass, of course).
With just a couple of spritzes, you’ll be smelling like the perfect summer vacation. Wonderful and easy — just as summer should be. There’s no fragrance quite like this one.
4. Hermes - Eau De Rhubarbe Écarlate
A Hermès cologne was always going to find its way onto a list of the best summer colognes for men. They’re just that good. We’ve chosen Eau De Rhubarbe ecarlate for the number four spot because of its antithetical tartness and sweetness that perfectly play off each other to create a luscious summer scent. This smells exactly like walking through a rhubarb patch: tangy and sugary, with a natural freshness unachieved by many other fragrance brands.
Low notes of white musk wrap the rhubarb in a velvety smooth concoction and prevent it from becoming overpowering. Most fragrances rely on a citrus scent, but this one translates rhubarb clearly and faithfully, producing an almost vegetal aroma — and we expect no less from the world-renowned luxury brand.
Ecarlate translates to scarlet, reflective of the boldness and intensity of this scent. Traditionally, the color is associated with excellence and esteem; it was reserved for only ancient kings and princes in days past. Think of this fragrance as your own badge of honor.
Awaken your sensuality and confidence with Eau De Rhubarbe ecarlate. This scent is perfect for a hot summer date or for men looking for something a little sweeter than the stereotypical musky cologne. Take a bite of a rhubarb — we know you’ll love it.
5. Hugo Boss - United
When you think about the perfect masculine scent, a few qualities probably come to mind: aromatic, warm, energetic, bold, seductive. Hugo Boss’ United ticks all these boxes and more. Designed to inspire, United draws on the power of unity between men and the camaraderie of sports, hence the name. It reminds us of days playing soccer in the tall summer grass and standing over the grill with a couple of mates at a backyard barbecue.
Don’t let the packaging fool you into thinking this is the same as any other “manly” cologne - United doesn’t try too hard, and it proves a scent does not have to be musky to be masculine. The citrus tang of blood orange is layered with the sharpness of peppermint to craft an invigorating fragrance that keeps you on your A-game. These are grounded in warm amber to bring a richness to the citrus. When everything comes together, Hugo Boss has a simple scent but with a depth that only those with experience and craftsmanship can craft.
After a game of soccer, football, baseball — or even just a workout at the gym — spritz United over your pulse points for the perfect pick-me-up. This formula clings to the skin for the ultimate refreshment. We promise this will last all day… and all night.
6. Ellis Brooklyn - SALT
Launched in 2020, SALT by Ellis Brooklyn is one of the younger colognes on our list, but it has beaten out even the seasoned veterans for a top spot. Saltwater is transgressive by nature; it connects sweat, tears, and the sea. SALT plays on this introspection, delivering a healing scent sure to inspire you this summer.
Where some of the colognes on our list are reminiscent of sunny days spent at the beach, SALT is all about summer lakes. It exudes a woodsy, tranquil aroma. Think sun-soaked skin and drying off in the warm grass beneath the shade of a lakeside tree. Fresh and fun, this fragrance carefully layers multiple soft notes to craft the perfect summer scent without being occlusive.
Ylang ylang, a star-shaped flower we haven’t seen elsewhere on this list, offers a tropical and slightly floral scent - it’s offset by the green, aquatic aroma of violet leaves. Hints of tahitian tiare, magnolia, musk, and sandalwood consolidate to create a glossy and delicate fruitiness that can be enjoyed by men and women alike (sorry, guys — your girlfriend might just steal this one).
The folks at Ellis Brooklyn have whisked up a cologne overflowing with soul. It’s an awesome option for men, and it’s a bit softer than the traditionally dark scents yet does not compromise any masculinity. We love SALT for its gentle approach to complex perfumery. There’s some kind of magic in this formula that keeps us coming back for more.
7. Comme des Garçons - CDG 2 Man
An oldie but a goodie. Although CDG 2 Man by Comme des Garçons has been around for a while, it has consistently topped best cologne lists due to its reliably delicious fragrance that has yet to be bested. Woody and mossy notes unfold to aromatic nutmeg, vetiver, and subtle hints of saffron. This really is the original masculine fragrance, offering great versatility - it’s truly perfect for any man, no matter the occasion.
Scents synonymous with the male cologne experience build upon base notes of mahogany and leather, including nutmeg, caraway, kumquat, and mint. Aldehydes boost the aromatic appeal, adding an effervescent fizziness reminiscent of champagne on a yacht. Together, the spice of the nutmeg, roughness of the caraway, bitter citrus of the kumquat, and sharpness of the mint wrap into a smoky fragrance with soft, cool nuances. It’s the ideal scent for a night out - just don’t blame us for the amount of attention you’ll get!
Comme des Garçons sets the bar high for contemporary colognes. A masterful collage of traditional and modern elements create a neo-classical cologne at the apex of masculine fragrance. This is a great entry point for those just starting their collections and a well-loved friend for those who have been in the game for a while. If you’re overwhelmed with the sheer number of options to choose from, CDG 2 Man will always have your back. Its immortality speaks for itself.
8. Le Labo - The Matcha 26
In recent years, matcha has exploded in popularity, ascending to an iconic status as the it-drink of the 2020s. Not only is it sweet and comforting, but it also offers a moment of contemplation, relaxation, and composure, a pause for breath amidst an unprecedentedly hectic time. Le Labo has managed to bottle up the smell - and experience - of matcha and made it ready to spritz.
If you’ve never smelled matcha in a cafe before, it has an aromatic, sweet, and almost grassy scent. There’s a bitter quality to it, much like green tea, but also a creaminess that swirls on the top. Le Labo has complimented this nuanced scent with fig and the bitterness of citrus orange, then they balanced the concoction with vetiver and cedar. The end result: a fragrance that smells like an iced matcha, but better (if that’s even possible). With only a few sprays, you’ll be transported into the tranquillity of the matcha experience.
Like the first cologne on our list, Le Labo simplifies the packaging so the scent speaks for itself. The Matcha 26 is innovative in its approach, recreating an entire atmosphere rather than merely a smell. This one’s certainly a crowd-pleaser — but it’s so good you may want to keep it your own little secret.
9. Givenchy - Gentleman
Givenchy’s Gentleman is a notorious hot-shot in the cologne world. It’s slick, sophisticated, and pairs perfectly with a suit. The perfect juxtaposition of softness and strength, there’s something romantic about this scent, like a still, dark night sky on a cool summer night. Compared to other zesty and bright colognes, we love the melancholy that gentleman offers. It’s modern and eternally wearable.
Just as the name implies, this fragrance is tailored for gentlemen. It combines traditionalist elements such as bergamot and basil with hints of cardamom and blue iris. As seen previously on our list of the 15 best summer colognes for men, bergamot is a popular ingredient for adding a complementary citrus tang to musky scents.
Basil, on the other hand, produces a sharpness that stimulates the olfactory receptors, magnifying the effect of the fragrance. The fresh richness of cardamom and slightly whimsical blue iris are entwined with cedarwood and coumarin, known for their almondy and musky appeals.
If you’re buying for yourself or a gift for someone else, Gentleman truly is the ultimate option. It’ll stick around all day, even through countless work meetings, and persist into your after-dark plans. We can vouch that Givenchy knows how to get the job done.
10. Acqua Di Parma - Colonia Essenza
It’d be unfair to exclude the famous Acqua Di Parma scents from our list. The only issue: there are so many fantastic options to choose from. For the summer months, we’ve decided Colonia Essenza is the way to go for an unparalleled and clean fragrance. Curated with an optimistic energy, this high-end cologne is one of our staples - it’s universal, adaptable, and sure to fetch some compliments.
The professionals at Acqua Di Parma have been careful to create a fragrance that’s discreet and refined, but it still packs an impressive list of effective ingredients. Citrus scents of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, and orange swirl with grapefruit, petitgrain, and jasmine. We’re reminded of the sweet peel scent of laying under an orange tree.
An undertone of floral hues like rose, sage, jasmine, and rosemary dilutes the intensity of the citrus into more subtle top notes to reveal a crisp herb scent. It’s a perfectly blended masterpiece. What’s not to love?
Inspired by classic Art Deco, the matte black packaging evokes the fragrance’s Italian roots and emphasis on creative elegance. This formula settles down on the skin in a light, summery scent but oozes just the right amount of musk and grass to introduce a classy charm. Whether you have a formal commitment or a fun night out, Colonia Essenza might just become your next signature scent.
11. Jean Paul Gaultier - Scandal
Scandal by Jean Paul Gaultier is an absolute knockout. Seductive, striking, and bold: the fashion powerhouse is known for its non-conventional approach. Just as the name implies, you’ll be the talk of the town with Scandal.
This cologne is inspired by the power and domination of boxing, directly hitting the senses for immediate invigoration and inspiration — and the result sure packs a punch. With a bottle wearing the crown of a king and a label reminiscent of a championship belt, this cologne is a trophy for men who know what they want and know what it takes to get it.
If the packaging hasn’t caught your eye, the fragrance certainly will. Top notes of clary sage and mandarin orange resonate with lower notes of caramel (yum!) and tonka bean for a mature and classy yet sweet and sexy scent. We were super excited to try Scandal because of its promise of a thick, caramel experience — something we haven’t seen yet on this list — and we weren’t disappointed. It smells exactly like fighting dirty. Warning: it’s addictive. The longevity is a win in itself. Scandal lasts all day and easily beats out any hot summer stench.
Amplify your performance with this incredible scent. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Scandal will help you smash any goals you’ve set for yourself over this summer (whether or not they’re inside the boxing ring). Wear your crown high and smell like a king — we promise you won’t regret it.
12. Bon Parfumeur - Cedar, Candied Plum, Vanilla (401)
We’ll let you into one of our best-kept secrets: a unisex cologne is one of the best ways to a woman’s heart. That’s why we’ve included Bon Parfumeur’s 401 scent, appropriately named Cedar, Candied Plum, Vanilla, on our list of the best scents to be spraying this summer. It really doesn’t beat around the bush.
You get exactly what’s advertised: a dreamy combination of woodsy cedar, candied fruit notes, and velvety vanilla. Tucked beneath the three top scents are hints of cinnamon, sandalwood, and musk for a touch of warmth and masculinity. Infusions of bergamot give a slightly tangy nuance that takes this cologne to the next level.
Bon Parfuemer has become one of the front-runners in the perfumery world thanks to their unique and colorful scents. And this particularly delicious, smooth formula has the irresistibility of forbidden fruits. Designed and made in France, the home of romanticism, 401 is the ultimate romantic scent for those lustful summer days. Spritz the fragrance on your pulse points and immediately transport yourself to a blue-sky brunch in the French countryside — just save the rendezvous for afterwards.
Who doesn’t love a summer romance? Get up close and personal with 401 Cedar, Candied Plum, Vanilla by Bon Parfuemer. Like smooth plum wine and cinnamon pastries, this stuff is temptation in a bottle. You won’t be able to resist.
13. Paco Rabanne - Phantom
Looking for a unique scent to characterize your summer? Reinvent yourself with Phantom, designed at the intersection of classic luxurious craftsmanship and new technology. It didn’t take much convincing for us to include this one on the list. This fragrance is perfect for the risk-takers, the men who defy the norm and resist trends. Phantom offers a daring approach to the largely over-saturated cologne market through its intergalactic spray of vibrant ingredients. If the bottle itself doesn’t intrigue you, what’s hidden inside certainly should.
Paco Rabanne is known for its unconventionality and brightness. Not for the traditionalist, the bottle certainly breaks the mold of regular cologne packaging. The quirky robot shape is suggestive of the innovative minds behind Phantom, and the slick silver box is reminiscent of a spaceship, ideal for the out-of-this-world experience Paco Rabanne promises.
Milky lavender swirls with a fizzy lemon scent, combined with low notes of earthy vanilla for a hint of sexiness. The end result is a perfect clash of earthy and sweet, without being overwhelming. Fragrance aside, it’d look great as decoration on your desk…
Fuel your self-confidence and take off into the night with this fragrance of the future. We reckon it’s a great addition to any cologne collection.
14. Frédéric Malle - Musc Ravageur
Have a summer wedding to attend? Or maybe a hot date? Say hello to Frédéric Malle’s Musc Ravageur, your new wingman for any occasion. A sensual classic, Musc Ravageur is the result of Frédéric Malle’s determination to restore perfumery to its glory.
It embraces all styles, pays homage to traditional masculine scents, but revolutionizes the cologne game. Interestingly, Malle departs from the usual use of flowers as is common in perfumes; instead, he relies on the simple seductiveness of warm, woodsy ingredients for a faultless balance of refinery and ruggedness.
This is the optimal scent for a night out. Musc Ravageur’s dramatic and mysterious quality arises from a blend of amber, bergamot, tangerine, middle notes of cinnamon and vanilla, and lower tones of musk, sandalwood, and guaiac wood. With only a couple of sprays, you’ll be able to pick up on the warm deliciousness of cinnamon and vanilla wrapped in the tang of the citrus fruits. Amber, the focal point of this fragrance, is a tried and true favorite that everyone will love.
So hot you’ll probably need to unbutton your collar, Editions de Parfums by Musc Ravageur is absolutely worth the investment. If it’s good enough to earn a spot on our list of 15 best summer colognes for men, it’s definitely good enough for a splurge! After only a single spray you’ll be completely addicted to the stuff (we know from experience).
15. Diptyque - Tempo
No matter how many other colognes we try, we come back to Tempo by Diptyque time and time again. It pays homage to the patchouli craze of the 1960s, hence the funky design on the label and the taupe-brown shade of the fragrance. Patchouli is renowned for its exotic, dark sweetness and woody edge. There’s a mnemonic quality to this concoction — we’re reminded of hot summers at 60′s-style diners, or that one Bruce Springsteen song. Think high collars, printed shirts, funky fabrics, leather jackets, all fitted out to brace the damp night air on a rainy summer night.
Swirling with the patchouli is a mix of mate, a bitter tea scent, clary sage, offering a softness and a lavender nuance, pink pepper for a fresh rosy spice, and the power duo of violet lead of bergamot. The epitome of a modern classic, Diptyque’s craftsmanship is admirable. It stimulates both the senses and memory, making it a dynamic, nostalgic fragrance that is sure to strike a chord with any wearer.
Apply a few light spritzes of Tempo to your pulse points. After a cold winter, Diptyque’s Tempo is the perfect summer pick-me-up. It’ll have you smelling great and feeling great. There’s no better substitute.
from The Salt Lake Tribune https://ift.tt/w8fNhQp
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