“Cologne – The most dangerously sophisticated gift for men”
GQ
It is a common misconception that perfumes are for the ladies while colognes are for men. They are both fragrances, but are made with differing concentration of essential oils.
Cologne has about 5-8% oil concentration (as a % of alcohol), and as a result generally lasts for a shorter period of time, and is meant to be sprayed on rather generously. Cologne is also generally crafted with the masculine in mind, and tends toward fresh, musky or spicy notes, as opposed to the more feminine floral and fruity notes common in perfumes.
A quick google of cologne will bring you to various pages referring to EDT and EDP. Eau de Parfum (EDP) or Eau de Toilette (EDT) simply refers to a perfume’s oil concentration (as a % of alcohol content).
EDP has 8-15% perfume oil, and is generally stronger and longer lasting, which also commonly translates it to being more expensive than EDT. EDT on the other hand has 5-10% perfume oil, and is a lighter fragrance which will last a good 2-4 hours. Most colognes are however geared towards lighter scents, and are therefore really EDTs.Today however, the term cologne is used rather loosely to refer to perfume for men. Hence, for the purpose of this article, we will use the terms interchangeably.
Choosing the best cologne for men can be tricky and difficult. Again, the best cologne is one which suits you/your man’s style.
Our top 5 cologne for men:
Given that it is an impossible task to test every brand of cologne out there, we have done some ground work for you to help you in your search for the best cologne for men. We’ve rounded some of our favorites below according to the two fragrance families which are male favorites, with suggestions for where to wear each one.
*Note that these have been geared towards light, masculine fragrances with citrus, aqua, chypre and musky scents. Florals are normally not a popular choice as it exudes femininity and romance.
Fresh fragrances consist a wide range of scents from citrus and fruity families to herbal, green and aqua families. Generally a male favorite, it offers an energetic, clean and airy summer feel, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Fresh fragrances please the nose with fresh and juicy notes such as mandarin orange, lemon, pineapple and/or herbs such as lavender, jasmine and mint.
Spray on a fresh scent when you’re in a fun and relaxed environment – e.g when on vacation, after the gym, or on a simple day out with your girlfriend. Fresh scents are also suitable for the office.
| Cool Water by Davidoff | Chrome by Azzaro | Black By Kenneth Cole | Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani | CK One by Calvin Klein | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Fragrance notes | This effervescent scent with notes of mint, lavender, neroli, jasmine and sandalwood will leave you smelling like the cool ocean breeze. | A refreshing but manly scent reminiscent of a fruit orchard with freshly cut grass. Notes include jasmine, ylang ylang and gardenias. | A sexy blend of fresh fruits, mint, spices, nutmeg and incense will leave you feeling sophisticated all day. | A blend of sweet summer and salty sea water with mandarin orange, jasmine, lemon, lime and neroli leaving a refreshing but warm scent. | A clean and crisp unisex scent made of mandarin orange, pineapple, green notes, papaya, cardamom, lemon heart and bergamot. |
| Fragrance intensity | Light | Light | Light | Light | Light |
| Bottle sizes | 2.5oz, 4.2oz, 6.7oz | 3.4oz | 1.7oz, 3.4oz | 1oz, 1.7oz, 3.4oz, 6.7oz | 1.7oz, 3.4oz, 6.7oz |
| Fragrance strength | EDT | EDT | EDT | EDT | EDT |
| Amazon ratings | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Reviews | >954 | >150 | >532 | >1400 | >700 |
| Price | $ | $ | $$ | $$ | $$$ |
Price range: $ = Less than $50 | $$ = $50 to $100 | $$$ = More than $100
= My personal favorite
Woody fragrances are a combination of earthy, musky and leather scents which exude sensuality and masculinity. It is generally a heavier scent, suited towards evening use. This scent conjures up an image of a confident, but down-to earth man.
Woody scents are built on base notes of musk, sandalwood, amber, and sometimes combined with spice such as cinnamon and cumin.
Spray on a woody or musk perfume if you’re going on a special date. However, if you prefer darker/heavier scents, and would like to use them during the day, choose appropriately and apply sparingly so as you don’t come off too strongly.
| Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male By Jean Paul Gaultier | Black by Polo Ralph Lauren | Givenchy Gentlemen by Givenchy | L'eau D'issey By Issey Miyake | Armani Code By Giorgio Armani | |
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| Fragrance notes | A warm and gentle but masculine scent which seduces with notes of wormwood, cardamom, bergamot, cinnamon, cumin and vanilla. | An aromatic woody scent with notes of patchouli, sandalwood, tonka beans, mango and tangerine. | A classic woody scent with top notes of cinnamon and lower notes of rose, leather and sandalwood. | A sexy scent with combinations of spice, citrus, musk, amber and woods. | A masculine romantic scent with blends of lavender, apple, citrus, cumin and wood. |
| Fragrance intensity | Light | Light | Light | Light | Light |
| Bottle sizes | 2.5oz, 3.4oz, 4.2oz, 6.7oz | 1.3oz, 2.5oz, 4.2oz | 1.7oz, 3.3oz | 2.5oz, 4.2oz, 6.7oz | 1oz, 1.7oz, 2.5oz, 4.2oz |
| Fragrance strength | EDT | EDT | EDT | EDT | EDT |
| Amazon ratings | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Reviews | >506 | >235 | >100 | >30 | >173 |
| Price | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ |
Price range: $ = Less than $50 | $$ = $50 to $100 | $$$ = More than $100
= My personal favorite
As a professional image consultant, I have spent years observing, educating and inspiring individuals to project his or her unique selling points. And I really do believe that a good first impression is half the battle won. Although I do not have a degree in perfumery, having the right fragrance to suit the occasion contributes to your overall image and can help set you apart from the competition. Figure out what you want your scent to say about you, and play to your strengths and surroundings. Good luck!