Men are very particular when it comes to choosing fragrances that they like to wear. Some like a light touch of scent, while others prefer something that will last a long time. Part of knowing which is best comes from trying them out, and knowing the basic ingredients that most men’s colognes have in their formulas. Most colognes have some focus on flowers, spices and fruits. Many combinations of these three in subtle and secret amounts are what make up the majority of popular colognes. Other rugged ingredients can include hints of leather, wood or plants. Fragrance descriptions will often include mention of notes, which basically mean the hints of scents that noses can distinguish when a fragrance formula is first tested.
The fragrances reviewed here are selections of some of the most popular men’s fragrances from various generations. The list will give an idea of what men are often wearing, and can serve as a guide for men seeking to try out something new.
Update 2016: #1 Amazon Best Seller in Men’s Fragrance Sets
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Whether shopping for Father’s Day or a gift for that special man in your life, consider this men’s fragrance gift set, the #1 Best Seller on Amazon, a wonderful men’s gift set with 4 sprays shaped like a different Cuban cigar. You’ll agree these smell great, and they smell MUCH better than a real stinky cigar. Customers on Amazon have given very high reviews. Your special man will certainly feel like a champ using these cigar shaped colognes. They do make great gifts whether for your father, or boyfriend, or son who’s just graduating, and they’re convenient for traveling too.
Next is the regular countdown of the top 10 best perfumes for men recommendations.
10. Interlude Man’s Eau de Parfum Spray by AMOUAGE
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Described as a traditional Arabic Oriental fragrance by one of the customers who reviewed this scent, this is a strong candidate for the longest lasting cologne. It is a luxury blend of sandalwood, patchouli, bergamot, oregano, leather, agar wood smoke, pimento berry oil, and frankincense. This is a scent for a man who understands the art of making perfume and the importance of fine ingredients. The brand is known internationally for its rare ingredients sourced from around the globe. This product is on the high end of luxury price points, available for the discriminating buyer. The bottle contains 3.4 ounces and is a striking cobalt blue in color with gleaming gold accents. Of those who posted reviews, 86% gave this product a 5 star rating. Though the company describes the fragrance as inspired by disorder and chaos, the spicy scent is viewed by owners as elegant and classical.
9. Brit Rhythm Eau de Toilette for Him by Burberry
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For some, the only fragrance that will do is a luxury product. This scent by Burberry is pricey, but offers a floral mix of sweet pea, peony and peach blossom combined with a spicy mix of juniper berries, cardamom and basil. Of the 59 customers who purchased this item, 78% gave it 5 star ratings. Burberry is a luxury brand that was established in 1856, and some young men are wary of buying cologne that smells the same as what their fathers are wearing. But, this scent is vibrant and the young men who have purchased it have made note of it.
8. Eton College Cologne by Taylor of Old Bond Street
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This traditional English, long lasting cologne will linger for an entire day, even though owners describe it as subtle and conservative. It is not an overpowering fragrance, but a hint of masculine rustic scent. Of the 200 customers who posted reviews, 53% gave it a 5 star rating. The majority of those who prefer it recommend it as a fragrance that is for the properly attired gentleman. Some feet that it is an old-fashioned scent from a past era, but others feel that it is just right for those who don’t prefer overpowering spices or musk.
7. Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette Spray for Men
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This fragrance has notes of patchouli, grapefruit, amber, white woods, rose, cinnamon, blond leather, mint, blood orange and spice. The bottle was originally designed to resemble a gold ingot. Over 530 customers left reviews of this product, with 82% leaving 5 star reviews. Those who own it comment that one or two sprays will last an entire day. The fragrance is light, but distinctive. Some mention that it can be a favorite or not. It depends on the individual. Many feel that it is the perfect cologne for a young professional to wear daily.
6. Drakkar Noir Eau De Toilette for Men by Guy Laroche
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This classic scent is one that many recognize as the signature fragrance from Guy Laroche. Men and women alike describe it as a manly, sexy and recognizable. For many of the 886 customers who reviewed this product, their purchase was a return to an earlier era, and they purchased it to enjoy its timeless attraction. Of those who left reviews, 79% posted 5 star ratings.
5. CK One Eau de Toilette, Long Lasting Perfumes by Calvin Klein
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This fragrance is unique in that it is designed for both men and women to wear. It boasts notes in three layers, including Top, Heart and Bass. The overall impression is fresh and pure. There are florals such as violet, jasmine and lily of the valley and there are spices such as bergamot, sandalwood and cardamom. It is a complex, multi-layered fragrance. Of the 955 customers who posted reviews, 76% left 5 star reviews. Customers described the fragrance as subtle, suitable for all seasons, and light yet significant. Some customers claimed that their product was fake, but the majority were happy with this lingering cologne.
4. Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, from Design House Issey Miyake
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Over 1,330 customers purchased this fragrance, and of those, 79% left 5 star ratings. This is a popular item, recommended for evening use. It contains notes of tangerine, cypress, yuzu, some musk, coriander, geranium, nutmeg and lily. Many of those who purchased this item noted that the fragrance lingers nicely for a long time, and described it as classy, exquisite, compelling, fresh and clean and even intoxicating.
3. Legend Eau de Toilette by Design House MONTBLANC
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This 1.7 fluid ounce bottle is described as having notes of Sandalwood, Bergamot, Tonka Bean and Pineapple Leaf. The company recommends it for casual wear. It is said by customers to last for over 8 hours. Of the over 1,500 customers who posted reviews, 77% left 5 star ratings. The majority left comments noting the fragrance’s fresh, clean, classy and rugged smell. Several noted its good longevity and that it is a fragrance for a grown man to wear.
2. Acqua Di Gio Eau De Toilette Spray by Giorgio Armani for Men.
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This fragrance was launched in 1996, but it continues to be one of the more popular products purchased. This is a spray bottle. Of the over 1,800 customers who left reviews, 71% left 5 star ratings. Some of the customers may have received fake or knock-off products and were very displeased. The majority seem to have received the actual item with no problems. The fragrance is described as spicy, musky, woody and warm with a touch of citrus and hint of rosemary.
1. Nautica Voyage Eau De Toilette Spray by Nautica for Men.
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Nautica Voyage for Men is a highly popular fragrance with notes of Amber, Apple, Green Leaf, Moss, Drenched Mimosa, Musk, Sailcloth Accord, Cedar Wood and Water Lotus. Over 2,590 customers posted reviews about this product. Of those, 71% gave it 5 star ratings. Comments from owners included the long lasting quality of this fragrance, but without the need for more than a few sprays. Some mentioned that the pleasant fragrance lingered over 24 hours with just one application. Many noted that it has a light, clean and airy quality. Some mentioned that it is versatile; appropriate for many occasions.
Though some men wear the fragrances their fathers wore, other men prefer to find their own signature scent. To do this means spending time at a high end department store testing scents. There are many to try, and starting out by using paper scent blotters to smell several is the first step. Narrow those down to two or three, and then use a very small amount on the muscular portion of either arm. It takes about 30 minutes for the initial notes to gradually fade, and the remaining notes will give the best idea of how that particular fragrance will smell on each individual. Every man’s skin is different.
Though men may be swayed by friends’ opinions or defer to the wishes of a significant other, the ultimate decision to wear one fragrance or another comes down to how good it smells. Other factors such as longevity, popularity and price are merely secondary.