Photo: Getty Images
First off, a word of warning before we get into the best smelling cologne for men: men, you’re wearing too much of it.
Okay, now that I got that out of the way (you can thank me in the comments below) it’s time to look at some truly great men’s fragrance options. Remember, for most occasions you won’t need cologne at all due to the many scented products we already use that leaves us feeling clean and smelling fresh, but cologne is always a nice touch when you’re going somewhere nice, or with that special someone.
Each year a half dozen or so men’s publications attempt to quantify the best smelling scents of the year, but the truth is, it’s mostly crap. The best cologne is going to be the one you can afford, and that you – and your significant other – agree smells the best.
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That said, there are some truly great options on the market today in nearly every price range. So, put down the Body Spray and join me while we look at a few of the best smelling cologne for men.
Best Smelling Cologne for Men
Gucci Guilty
Photo: Gucci.com
This one has a strong scent of patchouli combined with cedar and sandalwood. Together the scent is as sophisticated as it is manly. The scent combination works quite well for the more rugged amongst us, contrary to the labeling and marketing of the cologne as more of a mid-town Manhattan spray.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Terrible
Photo: Sephora.com
With a name like “terrible” who wouldn’t want to try this?
Contrary to the naming convention this stuff actually smells pretty wonderful. It has a fruity scent with a competing bit of amber musk and maybe some sort of vanilla. It’s difficult to describe, but the contrasting scents make it interesting, and if anyone wants to smell you more than once to see if they can decipher the scent, then you’re already doing pretty okay, right?
Issey Miyake L
Photo: Sephora.com
This one is rather difficult to find (although I’m told Saks Fifth Avenue has it), but it’s a perfect scent for the outdoorsy guys amongst us. It’s got a musky smell that’s due in part to the addition of vetiver root and cedar, but it has hints of citrus (grapefruit) that make it a pleasant and not quite as musky scent. Overall, it’s a mellow blend of pure manliness that I would highly suggest trying for yourself.
Eau de Lacoste Rouge
Photo: Sephora.com
You know those polo shirts that you wore with a popped collar a few years back (yeah, we’re looking at you)? They also make a delightful male fragrance that you can find relatively inexpensively at any Macy’s location. The initial citrus smell quickly fades to reveal an almost ginger-esque scent with hints of black pepper. Overall it’s a quality scent that is rather spicy and perfect for the clean cut and dapper gentleman that’s headed out for a night on the town, or a quiet dinner for two with his significant other.
I probably shouldn’t have to say this, but I do. Most men – it seems – shop for cologne based on name recognition and price rather than the most important trait – smell. Men, be sure to smell the scent not just in the bottle, but on your skin. Different skin types and naturally occurring odors interact differently with every type of cologne, so it’s rare that the fragrance will smell the same on you as it does in the bottle. The best smelling cologne for men will be different for most people, so find the cologne that smells best to you or your significant other.
Last note here; spray a bit on your wrist and give it a smell before buying. Just because a fragrance smells great on your pal at the gym, doesn’t mean it won’t be completely appalling on you. Trust me on this.
