By Lifestyle

9 Best Smelling Ralph Lauren Polo Colognes

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Ralph Lauren is a designer which caters to classic American sensibilities and tastes. One of his major accomplishments in the fashion world has been his line of fragrances for men and women. There are the classics, the flankers, and some newer entries that are also great. However, with so many to choose from it can be difficult for guys to make a decision on which one to go with.

For this list, I have narrowed it down to what I feel are the nine best Ralph Lauren colognes for men. Each one brings something different to the table and should be adaptable to many different lifestyles. Also see: The Best Smelling Ralph Lauren Perfumes for Ladies

What are the Best Scents for Men by Ralph Lauren?

Best Winter Scent for Men

Ralph Lauren Polo Red Extreme Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce–  So, in this updated list I am replacing the old Polo Red with the newer flanker release, Polo Red Extreme. Further update: This has now been discontinued.

Why? Because it’s better than both Polo Red and the Intense version. Plus, it has better performance than either.

This version is darker and doesn’t have the same level of fruitiness created by the cranberry note. This is joined by a certain level of smokiness and a familiar smelling coffee note to go along with blood orange. Sweet, rich, and masculine.

You get the opening citrus note of blood orange mixed with coffee. Later, coffee becomes dominate and there is an almost chocolate-like aroma hanging in the air, when blended with the wood notes. Pretty straightforward scent, but great.

I actually do like the other two Polo Red colognes, a whole lot. I just feel that the folks at Ralph Lauren, kept tweaking the scents, until it became much improved.

Although, this isn’t really the same as the original Polo Red, which would still be on the list if it had better longevity. The coffee note here is great and sort of takes elements of Rochas Man and pairs those with elements of the Polo Red lineup. Polo Red Extreme Full Review

The Next Red in Line

Polo Red Parfum– Red Extreme is still my favorite of the line so far. I do like the original, as well. However, the newer Red Parfum release might be my second favorite. It is more unique, while still having some of that same sort of presentation as the original Polo Red.

This one also doesn’t have that original cranberry note and utilizes the blood orange of Extreme up top. The initial citrus isn’t too overpowering and it has a shorter run at the head, since you get the spice of pink pepper and the slightly bitter absinthe note.

It interestingly shifts into a floral accord, which isn’t a staple of the Polo Red colognes. Lavender is strong here, with a touch of orris softness.

Overall, it is less tart than Red. With a good use of sweetness, a fresh spice, and an easy to wear formulation. Polo Blue Parfum is also pretty good, but I prefer this and the others on the list. Full Review

Top Overall Daily Wear Scent

Polo Black by Ralph Lauren for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray– Moderate and masculine scent that works well for the day or nighttime. Wonderful fragrance that is pleasing yet subtle. Possibly the best Polo cologne for a wide audience.

An interesting mango note is joined by a blend of sage and patchouli, which gives Polo Black a woody and spicy undertone.

The top of the order include some more citrus notes like lemon and tangerine. Highly popular scent. Notes include: tonka bean, iced mango, patchouli noir, spanish sage, and silver armoise.

Polo Double Black is also a good choice. That one is obviously a flanker fragrance, but the composition is arranged differently, and I think Black does it better. Even though, this is termed ‘Black’, there really isn’t anything dark about it. It’s a masculine fruit-laden scent, that does a great job of drawing complements. Polo Black Full Review

Best Newer Ralph Lauren Cologne

Ralph’s Club– The Polo Intense release was a nice update to the classic formula, but I think Ralph’s Club EDP is the better fragrance.

It’s not overly complicated but has a fresh and clean profile, with a distinct clary sage note at the top. Has a soapy clean quality with an underlying woodiness from the cedar note. I get the comparisons to YSL’s Y, but it’s not exactly the case, as the apple note is missing.

What you do get with Ralph’s Club is an easy to wear and mass appealing fragrance that can be worn pretty much anywhere by any guy. It’s a very safe pick.

Has a level of sweetness to the aroma and the dry down is mostly a clean lavender smell. Good longevity, also. Ralph’s Club Review

Top Blue Release

Polo Deep Blue Parfum– Usually, when you get this deep into flanker fragrances, the quality seems to drop off. However, the 2020 release of Polo Deep Blue Parfum, has become a great addition to the Blue line.

Deep Blue takes a similar formula to the other offerings, but adds a mango note, and Deep Ocean accord. The opening act is great, as the mango (much like found in Polo Black) really creates an awesome aroma.

At first, the ocean accord is fresh and stimulating. Later, is does become more of a pure ambroxan scent.

The performance here is good, with solid sillage for the first few hours, before it settles. Yes, it is quite a bit like Polo Blue EDT and EDP, in the latter stage. But, I like the opening act enough to give it a spot on this list. Polo Deep Blue Review

Best Fresh Sporty Ralph Lauren Scent

Ralph Lauren Polo Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce– Polo Sport has become a classic cologne it its own right. Sometimes simple and clean is the best course of action when choosing a cologne and that’s what Polo Sport excels at.

I remember using this cologne when I was younger and how absolute fresh and invigorating a fragrance that it is.

Smelling this scent takes me back, and to me, really defines what a sporty fragrance should be. This was probably the best Polo fragrance in the 1990s.

It’s not too citrusy or too much of a light aquatic, rather, it blends all of these elements together to make something wonderful and upbeat.

Polo Sport takes so many different elements a does a wonderful job at blending them all together. The sharp and cool mint, the lovely lavender, the sunny citrus notes…all of which sit atop a layer of marine notes.

This has always been a very versatile fragrance and works well for teenagers to adults. My Polo Sport Review

Top Polo Fragrance for Summer

Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Eau de Parfum for Men, 4.2 Ounce– I replaced one of the Big Pony flanker fragrances on this list with Polo Blue because the former got discontinued.  Polo Blue itself has two options, the EDT and the eau de parfum.

I think the EDP version (linked above) is the more interesting and better performing of the choices, but either is a solid choice for guys.

To me, the EDP version is like the original EDT, but blended with elements of Acqua di Gio Profumo. It features a citrus note of bergamot to go along with herbal spices including basil and cardamom. Add to that a smooth suede and aquatic sea notes.

The other option, the EDT version is more of an aquatic, its lighter and has notes of juicy melon and cucumber leading the way. Again, I like either option. The EDT is the better seller, but the EDP is the better performer, in my opinion.

Top Classic Ralph Lauren Fragrance

Polo by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau de Toilette Natural Spray, 4-Fluid Ounce– The original, the classic. Polo is a fantastic and woodsy aromatic for the gentleman who is bold and like to stand out.

It starts out quite dry with leather and pine notes and then transitions into a rich tobacco and patchouli blend that is smoky and intriguing.

An absolute monster in terms of sillage and performance. There’s a reason it has been so loved for over 40 years.

It such a great blend and starts to check off boxes throughout. Herbal. Woodsy. Spicy. A very thorough scent and one which completely goes against the grain of most of the most popular colognes of today’s era.

Again, not for everyone, but Polo is an absolute signature scent for the right man.  My Full Review

polo

Pros

  • Classic and masculine scent
  • Still has great performance

Cons

  • Better Suited for Older Guys

Most Underrated Cologne by Ralph Lauren

Safari by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce– Safari is a scent that one must use caution with, as it can be very strong.

However, it is also a delightfully masculine smell with a sweetness that many other fragrances lack. The main thrust of it is an outdoorsy, green herbal plant and woods mixture.

However, that’s only the beginning as Safari is a complex, and unique aroma. It’s masculine but tempered by citrus and floral notes.

Try to find an older bottle, as from what I understand it has been reformulated…and not for the better. Still, the original Safari is a legend.

Pros

  • Unique
  • Beautiful Complex Composition

Cons

  • Another one for a more mature man

8 Best Calvin Klein Colognes for Men

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Calvin Klein is a designer who was made famous for his jeans and underwear during the 1980s. However, his fragrance collection for men and women has become a huge business in itself.

CK scents enjoy a mass popularity with people and you will always find 3-4 each year that among the best selling fragrances. Of those best sellers, they more than likely have been popular for decades, and not just a few passing years.

With that in mind, I wanted to create a list of the best Calvin Klein colognes for men, and the list ended up being 8 fragrances deep. Also check out: The Best Calvin Klein Perfumes for Women

What are the Best CK Colognes for Men?

Best Overall CK Scent

Calvin Klein Obsession For Men Cologne, .5 fl oz
A great casual cologne which dates back to the late 1980s. Obsession has a lovely spice to it and features notes of mandarin, sandalwood, and amber. It’s got a great cinnamon led warmth and spice, that is supported by the nutmeg.

The amber creates a sort of an envelopment around the person wearing it and this is one of the reasons, that Obsession is so good during the winter time.

This is such a rich and enticing scent, good for everyday wear, but can also pull double duty as a date night go to. There is sweet vanilla and nutmeg, which help to round out the fragrance, and create a memorable wear.

Spicy and warm, yes, but also a smoky balsamic element that peaks through at times. The classic formulation of this was amazing, but it is still holding up well today.

Obsession has a good sillage and the longevity is decent, as well. This is a fragrance that can be worn in a variety of situations and has enough maturity for guys 30+.    My Obsession review

obsession

Classic 90s Clean

Calvin Klein ETERNITY for Men Eau de Toilette, 3.4 fl. oz.
Another oldie but one which has been popular since its inception. Eternity for men is classy and simple in its aroma. It features notes of lavender, vetiver, and sandalwood that give off a super clean and fresh ‘soapy’ feeling.

The citrus notes add some depth and a change of pace from the lavender laden parts of this cologne’s life cycle. This is a calming masculine fragrance, that enjoys a mass appeal.

Eternity is quite herbal and floral with supporting notes such as basil and sage. It’s not a heavy spice by any means, but that light herbal kick, gives this fragrance a lively profile.

It is fresh and bright, built for the warmer months of the year, as it is such an upbeat cologne. The longevity is moderate, as is the sillage, but Eternity is a nice addition for daily wear. Eternity Cologne Review

eternity

Top Fresh Fragrance

Calvin Klein euphoria for Men Eau de Toilette, 1.7 fl. oz.
A take on the popular Euphoria for women, this men’s cologne starts off with a blast of pepper and ginger. So, expect some spice to it from the start. But ginger, isn’t too bad, and it is the main attraction.

However, it isn’t a heavy scent and the spice isn’t that overbearing, as it is mellowed out some by the amber and cedar wood notes. It’s a warm herbal/pepper spice with masculine woods serving as the base.

Euphoria for Men is a very linear and none to complicated fragrance. It’s got an attractive airy aroma, that isn’t a sillage beast, but is safe to wear at work or in close casual situations. It never struck me as wholly unique, but Euphoria is a very solid player in the everyday wear space.  My Review

Best Summertime CK Cologne

Eternity Now– This is replacing, Crave, on the list. That one has been discontinued and is getting harder to find. Eternity Now shares some of the same notes, but with its own summertime style.

The starfruit and coconut opening act, is among my favorites for any cologne, from any designer. I absolutely love it. I wore this a lot over the past 6 months or so, even during winter. Now, in the warmer months, I will still come back to my bottle.

The rest of the wear is still good, but that opening hour, is really where the magic lies. The good news, is that , Eternity Now is still available for cheap. Expect a sweet tropical cologne, with refreshing fruity notes. Eternity Now Full Review

Best Aquatic Cologne

Eternity Aqua– I’m going to replace the now defunct Euphoria Intense, with Eternity Aqua. If you can still find Euphoria Intense, its’ worth a try.

Eternity Aqua, on the other hand, is another great option for summer. If you like the Polo Blue line, this one should be right up your alley. It was a staple wear of my summer 2019.

Aqua is crisp and watery, with an opening blast of citrus and spiciness provided by Sichuan pepper. Not a heavy warm spice, but a colder and refreshing scent with undertones of tart plum and woods.

I’ve seen bottles for really cheap and it’s an absolute buy, at a certain price. I wouldn’t go full retail, but you shouldn’t have to, either. Eternity Aqua Review

Best Selling Calvin Klein Scent

Calvin Klein ck one Eau de Toilette, 6.7 fl. oz.
CK One is a part of the unisex fragrances that Calvin Klein has released and the most popular of them all.

Notes of papaya, pineapple, and jasmine give it a intriguing sweetness while the green tea and amber add warm layers to its simple base.

A landmark fragrance for the 1990s and it will probably be a best seller for decades to come. Sharp citrus and memorable dry down that has an unbelievable universal appeal.

I think most of us still know this fragrance. Maybe the younger generation has yet to experience it? Not sure, as I still encounter it from time to time.  My Review of CK One  and CK One vs CK Be Comparison

ck one

Most Unique CK Fragrance

Euphoria Amber Gold– Amber, herbal, and woody. Euphoria Amber Gold takes the Euphoria name in a different and strikingly good direction. This one flew under my radar for quite a while and it didn’t seem to get much push from CK.

Resinous and bold with sweet vanilla and honey touches. Amber Gold gives you periods where you get to fully experience the thyme or sage, before they fall back into the well-blended mix.

Mostly, you’ll experience amber, spice, and a nice honey sweetness. Though, that vetiver and woods can peak up.

The performance is markedly better than many other Calvin Klein fragrances and it has a bold sillage. Euphoria Amber Gold isn’t available everywhere, but bottles exist online and it can be a great pickup for the right guy.

Everyone 

CK Everyone EDT– While I don’t think Everyone is an absolutely amazing fragrance, this newer release from Calvin Klein is actually better than it gets credit for. Now, I haven’t tried the newer EDP version as of this update, but the EDT surprised me.

I put this one on the list before the CK One Summer Daze release, which was a limited edition anyway. But, I think this might be better in any case.

Everyone opens up with an orange and aquatic topped that is gently spiced with a fresh ginger note. Very chill, clean, and one that can be applied on a daily basis without screaming out for attention.

I do like the tea note, in the mix, which along with the light amber gives it a warmer feeling. The opening feels more refreshing and ‘cold’ to me. Like a simpler, sort of sporty update to the same CK One style, of the 1990s. But, a different scent.

L’eau D’Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake

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I first wrote this review, early on in this website’s history back in 2014, and it was one of the first that I ever did. I had purchased a full bottle of L’eau d’Issey on a whim, because I had heard good things about this popular Issey Miyake fragrance. I had no clue who this Japanese designer even was.

Now, I’m coming back around in 2023 to give a more in depth review, because the first time around wasn’t sufficient. What’s funny, is that even til this day, it is a consistent;y popular for guys around the word.

What does L’Eau D’Issey Smell Like?

For a cologne which has been on the market since 1994, still being in the top sellers is quite an accomplishment. Why all the fuss? Quite simply because it smells good. L’eau D’Issey is a cologne which I have had on my night stand throughout the years and one that I like to break out in the spring and summer months especially, but it works year round.

Notes include: lemon, yuzu, tarragon, bergamot, tobacco, vetiver, lotus, nutmeg, musk, cedar, sandalwood, lily

Click here to try: L’eau d’Issey

My Full Wear Review

The first thing one notices after spraying L’eau D’Issey on your skin is the way the citrus notes blend with the spice. That is my least favorite part of this fragrance, is its initial offering. Some people really enjoy it but it’s just meh to me. When seeing the notes listed with yuzu and lemon, you would expect it to open up with a juicy citrus aroma.

That’s not really the case here, L’eau d’Issey is pretty sharp at the start, but dry as it is paired with woods, vetiver, spices, and tobacco. As such, the whole thing takes on a different aroma from many other fragrances on the market.

However, once the cologne begins to settle and fully reveal itself, that’s when the true magic of Issey Miyake starts.

Issey Miyake Pour Homme is a very bright scent. Like, it radiates a feeling of sunshine on a spring or summer day. It feels utterly familiar, yet still so unique, as I haven’t come across another men’s cologne that smells the same as this one.

It isn’t utterly complex, it is dominated by citrus, then comes the spice, and then the musky and woody base. It is in the same category of scent as something like, Light Blue.

The yuzu and lemon, get paired with nutmeg and tarragon. It’s spicy but not insanely so. As it dries down, the spice begins to fade for me, and the citrus isn’t as sharp.

When the wood notes emerge (cedar and sandalwood), so do hints of floral notes, which is mainly the lotus. Not my favorite flower, but not bad here. The musk is noticeable, though, the composition remains clean and fresh and doesn’t get bogged down into a musky mess.

The citrus and the wood notes, are my favorite ingredients here. That dry down period, is the highlight of L’eau D’Issey, while the opening act is just okay.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it would always start out really strong for me, and then move into a more moderate phase.

I always seem to keep L’eau d’Issey to 2-3 sprays max, because of the strength, and not wanting to be outlandish with it on warmer days. Unless I’m outside or it’s going to be a while before I am in close quarters with other people.

The longevity was solid and clocked in around 6-8 hours, depending on the day. It never went to extreme lengths of time, on my skin, but it never quit on me early, either. I really have no complaints about the performance of L’eau D’Issey.

Update: Coming back to this one, it doesn’t seem to have any weakened performance over the years, at least on my skin. It still sticks around for 6 hours or more. 

What I really enjoy about this cologne is its versatility. To me, it works during any season, but I’ve said that I really dig it when it gets warm. Since I live in a humid region, I need a fragrance which will hold up in the spring and summer months, and Issey Miyake has proven itself capable.

This can be great to have on hand, because I have so many colognes that only work when it’s cold out, that I need something of a go-to for the heat.

Also, this is a fragrance that can be worn at work or at school or for a night on the town. It’s designed as a more casual every day kind of fragrance, but it definitely draws women closer.

I’ve gotten too many complements on this one, to keep track of, and it’s honestly not even my favorite cologne. But since it seems to work, I can’t complain. Not what I’d call a sexy cologne, but very masculine and appealing.

You get a clean freshness, that has a fairly familiar kind of profile, but enough differences to make it stand out from the pack.

Overall Impressions of L’eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake

Overall, L’eau D’Issey is a good buy because it’s not too expensive, it’s versatile, and seems to always draw complements. There are others which I think smell better, but there are few which have as many strengths.

As a casual, everyday wear, this Issey Miyake one is a great option to have around. I haven’t been too much into the flankers of this scent (like Blue Astral), but I can keep coming back to the original, and enjoy wearing it.

I like the citrus notes here. Not as big of a fan, of their initial pairing with the tarragon and nutmeg. It can be too sharp, too potent, but this cologne settles down nicely.

Update: L’eau D’Issey is no longer one that I keep a bottle of at all times. Though, it’s still one that I have fond memories of and enjoyed wearing again. At a decent price, it’s a fragrance that is worth picking up. Sub-$50 seems like a fine price still.

Best Colognes for the Office: Fragrances for Professional Men

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Colognes come in many different scents, however, not all of these scents are appropriate or desirable for all occasions. There are fragrances that do smell wonderful but are best served when applied during a night out and not while working at the office. Professional men require a eau de toilette that is understated yet still fresh and compelling.

There are yet still other men who simply don’t want their fragrance to be that ‘loud’ and more on the subtle side and wish to find the perfect cologne for daily use. In this post, I want to lay out some options that you could consider for an everyday cologne as well as present a few that I think are the top colognes for daytime.

 What are the Best Daytime Office Fragrances for Men?

Days in Bleu

Bleu de Chanel– It’s a best-seller, has been for a long time, and that’s because it’s great. Bleu de Chanel is a fantastic option for a basic, no non-sense fragrance, that can easily become a daily wear.

Most of the decision will be to select which version you prefer. Bleu de Chanel EDT is the original, the most understated. The woodier Parfum version is one that many people enjoy discovering. Personally, I like EDP a bit more than the other two.

bleu de chanel review

Cracking the Code

Code Parfum by Armani– This is another one with multiple options. The original Armani Code is a classic for daily wear, but I like the newer Code Parfum nowadays. Others in the series go too heavy with notes like suede and other sweetish features.

Code Parfum finds the balance while respecting the original DNA. It has a fresh and clean start with a juicy bergamot note, bright aldehydes, and the floral focus of the iris note. It feels cold, with a slight powdery aroma, but the iris goes more into the buttery creamy end of things.

7-8 hours of wear, very simple, and crowd pleasing. I really like Code Parfum as an effortless daily wear for the office and beyond.

Ego Unleashed

Egoiste Platinum by Chanel– One could also go with the original Egoiste, which is sweeter, drier, and richer with notes of tobacco and sandalwood. However, as a clean daytime wear, I like Platinum better for the job.

Platinum has a classic soapy clean, but it’s a modernist interpretation of this style. Herbal, fresh spicy, green, and with a healthy dose of lavender. You’ll get phases of petitgrain, sage, and neroli during the wear.

Finally, it will dry down with some great woody notes including vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, and geranium. The scent could be stronger, though, it’s not particularly much of an issue. Platinum Egoiste review

Prada Style

Prada L’homme Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Honestly, you could choose any of the L’Homme line from Prada and it would work. I like Intense and L’eau ( an awesome  powder aroma) more than the original, but it’s also very nice.

Mainly, I like the darker aroma of this one, and the fact that I can get 9 hours of wear on my skin. It has the powdery iris note of the original, amber, and a great leather accord, in the opening.

Later on, there is a subtle base of patchouli and sandalwood, which add to the overall enjoyment and aren’t a distraction. The dry down is mainly iris and tonka bean, with the leather and amber, playing support roles.

It’s super rich and fits beautifully in the colder weather of autumn and winter.  L’Homme Intense Review

The Dior Namesake

Dior Homme– Dior Homme gets reformulated every so often and the name is simply re-used with the newer formula. In 2020, Dior changed it again. While I don’t like this one as much as the last, it’s still a very good fragrance, especially for daily wear.

It starts off bright, fresh, and woody. Bergamot citrus leads the way with cedar and vetiver flanking it during the opening act. Underneath that, is a light spiciness headed up by pink pepper.

This one is not too heavy, has solid performance, and smells great even in its toned down simplicity. Dior Homme Review

Green Clean

Green Irish Tweed– Green Irish Tweed is an higher end option by Creed that is worth checking out.

I’m not much of a fan of the mossy, violet leaf, and pine sort of aroma up top. But, I think that this one gets better as it settles after 15 or so minutes.

The lemon verbena and citrus notes come out and give this one a bright and green blend, which will become a soapy/powdery scent as it dries down further.

GIT is another fragrance with good performance and an older school vibe. It isn’t stale or boring, however, and has a dynamic energy to its composition. GIT Review

Gentleman Daily

Gentleman EDP by Givenchy– Gentleman EDP is a great option for daily wear at the office or anywhere really.

This one has an iris note along with a spicy accord, benzoin, woody notes in the dry down, and the creaminess of vanilla (with a nice heaping of tonka bean). Not super heavy, with its light citrus top note, but one that’s going to be an autumn and winter wear.

This is refined and has a mass pleasing aroma that is versatile enough to wear in the evenings too.

Classic Chanel

Pour Monsieur by Chanel– Pour Monsieur is an absolute classic from Chanel and it has the style to match. This might not be a pick for everybody, as the fragrance dates back to the 1950s, which gives it a different sensibility versus the newer entries on the list.

The lemon note leads the way, but it has a dry blend of moss and vetiver underneath providing that woodsy aroma. Plus, notes like basil and cardamom giving it a spicy lift. Earthy, dry, woodsy in the base with a citrus not dominating the top.

Lots of greenish and spicy touches throughout. Not a very ‘juicy’ citrus, but this one has a simple elegance that can work very well in an office environment. Timeless.

24

H24 EDT by Hermes– This one gets mixed reviews, while being fairly popular, and it’s one that I personally enjoy. It’s a really useful scent for our purposes in this post.

H24 features notes like sage and narcissus to produce something that is clean while being rather unique. There’s a metallic edge to the aroma, it’s also sweet, and dries down with a woody smell. The sage is strong up top, but this Hermes gradually becomes more balanced.

It’s a moderate cologne with it’s sillage and lasted on my skin for up to 7.5 hours, when I was testing H24 out. H24 Review

h24 review

Guilty Goodness

Gucci Guilty– An easy to wear and very versatile floral fragrance for men. Guilty EDT isn’t my absolute favorite, but it is one that I do think is a great entry level cologne, for those who don’t want to overthink their scent.

It opens up with a lemon and pink pepper combination, with neroli and orange blossoms sitting in the background. It will shift more towards those notes, while having a woodsy base of patchouli and cedar.

Again, this is very likeable and easy going. Not an insane amount of longevity, but you can pretty liberally apply it without blowing out a room. Guilty Review

Fancy French

Tuxedo by YSL– The name and reputation suggests that this is only for pure formal wear. To me, that’s not the case. Sure, it’s classy and luxurious, but it’s also amazing for the office and daytime use.

Tuxedo gives you a slight spice in the opening from black pepper and cardamom, it’s just not overwhelming. This one is absolutely smooth and the real highlights are: amber, patchouli, and vanilla.

Fresh, sweet, and a lighter fragrance. Tuxedo Review

Top 20 Best Selling Men’s Colognes 2023

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When shopping for a new cologne either for yourself or as a gift for someone else, a good place to start is by seeking out a list of the best selling colognes, in order to find something which already has a broad base of support. After all, if they’re are best sellers then they ought to smell at least somewhat good, right? Here is my updated page, keeping track of these fragrances.

How I assembled this List

I went through dozens of online retailers websites from around the globe, creating top 20 lists from their stock, sorting by top sellers.

Obviously, I don’t have sales data for each fragrance, so a lot of this is guess work and seeing repeating patterns. Plus, I do have lots of search information with this website in particular, that helps me have a deeper understanding of the market.

Also, there is the limitation based on what the criteria for each retailer’s sorting mechanism is. Is the top seller sorting based on sales from the past day or how many months back?

I also used dozens of websites in different regions, as some places like Sephora only carry certain brands. I chose sites from among discounters, mid-range retail shops, and high-end department stores. That way, there’s plenty of variety.

It’s not perfect, but this top 20 list is a pretty good representation of the top of the top sellers.

The only fragrance that I know for sure is the top seller in the world is Sauvage. LVMH has stated that to be a fact. That’s only because it is the first men’s fragrance to outsell all other women’s fragrances too.

There is a ton of overlap across sites, which is what gives me the top 20. But, I’ll share some fragrances here that were best sellers in their particular market space, that don’t make the main list.

At the discounter level, these colognes are still very popular:

In the UK and EU, there are some scents that hit the top 20 sellers in those regions, but not in the US…including:

Now, the main list is strictly men’s colognes. Here are some of the top-selling unisex perfumes:

  • Santal 33
  • Another 13
  • Myrrh and Tonka
  • Baccarat Rouge 540

20 Best Selling Men’s Fragrances

Again, outside of the top spot, this isn’t really going to be in complete order. The second through the fifth or sixth spot, is probably pretty correct, but not necessarily in order. After that, there isn’t a ranking really, just colognes that make the cut.

I’ve combined many of the EDP, EDT, Parfum flankers into one main entry for these fragrances. That way it’s not just a repeating list of variations of the same colognes. So, it’s actually going to be more than 20 options.

Sauvage– The number one spot and a scent that is pretty ubiquitous at this point. The original EDT still gathers a lot of sales. However, the Eau de Parfum and Elixir versions are also consistently topping retailer bestsellers. So much so, that they’re just getting combined into this one spot on the list.

Elixir takes the Sauvage name in its own direction, still tied to the formulation in some ways, but smelling quite unique. The EDP is the best of the original set of flankers, in my opinion. I would go with that one versus the EDT any day of the week.

Bleu de Chanel– Bleu de Chanel doesn’t appear like it will ever lose its spot on this list. It’s tough to tell which version is the best seller, at this point, but I think it might be the EDP.

All of them are great in their own ways. The citrus and amber and spicy mix has become a staple. Clean and still beautiful to wear after all of these years. Very much worth a spot in anyone’s collection.

Eros– The Eros line is still going strong. I used to really love the initial release, among my old favorites. However, to me the lemon note in the EDT has gotten way more pronounced and it doesn’t smell the same, in my opinion. Plus, it’s not as powerful and long-lasting.

The original batches had a great blend of mint, vanilla, lemon, etc. It was fantastic. I’ve tried multiple minis and samples and never recapture that original magic. Though, it’s still worth it among the popular designer colognes, not to make it sound as if I hate Eros…I don’t.

The EDP, Parfum, and Flame have become top sellers themselves in various regions.

Aventus– Through no fault of its own (other than being a great fragrance), Creed Aventus has just become annoying to talk about.

The massive popularity has spawned dozens of knock offs and other colognes trying to steal elements of its style. The industry sure knows how to beat a trend to death. Nonetheless, the original remains a best seller even with its lofty price.

Y EDP– Well, the Y line is represented mostly by the EDP version. It is pretty much a bestseller across every website that features it. Y Le Parfum, has also crept up and is routinely in that 10-20 range, so it’s getting combined into one entry.

I have a bottle of EDP, that I do still wear. I was higher on this fragrance when it came out, but don’t enjoy it quite as often in my rotation. Le Parfum is actually a lot of people’s favorite from the line. I like it, though, it never was really my thing.

y edp intense review

Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 6.7 Ounces
Chances are that you’ve smelled this wildly popular cologne before, even if you didn’t know about it. Acqua di Gio is a fantastic scent that is always among the top sellers.  

The citrus, the sea notes, the florals. It’s such a balanced and well done fragrance. It’s easy to forget about as it’s been a staple for over 25 years now.

I grabbed samples of this a year or two ago to see how it still performed. The scent is still the great aroma, that I remember. The longevity has taken a hit. Now, it’s around 5-6 hours. Not amazing, but AdG is usually available at a fairly affordable price. Acqua Di Gio Review

acqua

Paco Rabanne 1 Million By Paco Rabanne For Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Another men’s fragrance that has been an extremely popular option for well over a decade. 1 Million still has a spot on the list, even if it’s not higher ranked, like it probably used to be.

The newer bottles don’t seem to be as powerful or as long lasting, as the original batches were. Nevertheless, it still is like 85% of what it once was.

The leather, rose, and citrus opening create a sweetish ‘grape bubble gum’ sort of aroma. This is mixed with spices and an enveloping warmth. The dry down is less of the sweet, more of the leathery amber and spice blend. I’m still a fan, even if it’s no longer a part of my rotation. 1 Million Review

1 Million Elixir– 1 Million Elixir was more of a surprise to me. I hadn’t realized how popular this flanker had become. But, it was consistently running near the top of websites from the USA and EU. We’ll see how long it lasts, but for 2023 it makes the cut.

It opens up with a crisp fruity kick of green apple. The blend underneath is a Damask rose, osmanthus, and davana. The rose is a lighter and sweeter variety. The dry down is mostly about the vanilla and tonka bean with everything else playing a bit role.

I enjoyed this one. It’s actually one of the better flankers from the 1 Million line, so maybe it will have some staying power. 1 Million Elixir review

Profondo– Another AdG fragrance and I’ll give this one it’s own spot on the list. This one is popular worldwide, but Profumo is up there in popularity in Europe.

This version is aquatic, fresh, and woody with a nice citrus opening act. Doesn’t have the smokiness of Profumo and is less of a salty sort of marine accord. Good balance and performer. Profondo Review

Dylan Blue– I get the popularity for this one. It’s not my favorite, by any stretch, but the opening has been something that I’ve enjoyed from time to time.

It is interesting that Dylan Blue Pour Homme is still the only men’s release from this line, even with immense and steady sales. The women’s line now stands at three fragrances.

Still, this is a nice option for younger guys who don’t want to overthink things.

The One by Dolce & Gabbana– This is one of my favorite colognes. Most people’s only gripe, is that it doesn’t last long enough. For me, if I spray enough, the longevity is fine (Eau de Parfum). But, you will have to spray more than you usually do with other fragrances.

The warmth, tobacco, sweetness, and spicy elements are all so fantastic. Get the EDP version, because the longevity of the EDT is actually terrible, and there’s no getting past it no matter how much you spray.

I’m glad I picked up another full bottle last year. Notes include: coriander, grapefruit, tobacco, cedar, orange blossom, and ginger among others. The One EDP Review

the one edp review

Versace Pour Homme (Signature)– This Versace scent is fairly unique in its composition of notes. It’s a blend of woodsy and floral scents such as jasmine and kashmir wood that make it a fragrance that stands out.

It’s still chugging along it seems. This was one of the colognes which was on the original 2014 era list. People stiil love it. Versace Review

versace pour homme

Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana– Another great choice in the casual cologne market. Light Blue is a highly popular choice for both men and women for good reason, it’s light, subtle, and smells fantastic.

Light Blue is such an easy first cologne, as it is super versatile, and checks a lot of boxes as to what you’d want in a fragrance.

Eau Intense has especially gained in popularity over the years, too. I saw it pop up as a top seller across multiple sites. However, the original is still the higher ranked of the two. Even if Eau Intense is actually better. Light Blue Review

Gucci Guilty– Guilty is another one that has spawned almost countless iterations over the past decade-plus. The original EDT is still a very nice wear and fairly unique while being mass appealing.

A balanced lemon, pink pepper, and lavender note start things off. It’s a lighter cologne, floral with further touches of neroli and orange blossom. A bit sweet, somewhat woody, and overall pretty linear with its presentation.

Guilty EDT is extremely versatile and an easy all-around fragrance to start a collection with.

Born in Roma– I don’t get why this one has become so popular, maybe its comparisons. The series as a whole is kind of meh, but apparently sells better than the previous Valentino Uomo line that it sort of replaced as the flagship. Even though, that had way more beautiful colognes.

To me, it’s mid. The whole series just doesn’t do much to get me interested. This one in particular isn’t anything special. It has a strong resemblance to Invictus, but I think I like the Paco Rabanne more.

It does have it’s own soapier personality in the dry down. Even then, the mineral accord and violet leaf aren’t my favorite notes. Born in Roma review

Phantom– Another Paco Rabanne, another scent that I don’t much care for. Phantom has a nice enough start, but isn’t really great overall. Maybe people really like the bottle?

The start is a lemon zest, with a juicy and somewhat tropical undertone. It smells like a pineapple or maybe even a touch of mango. That is a brief experience. Then, it becomes a lavender dominated scent with earthy, woody, and herbal notes. Phantom Review

phantom cologne review

Invictus by Paco Rabanne–  The sweet and youthful Invictus is perpetually among the top sellers in this past decade. It has spawned a ton of flanker fragrances to boot.

Invictus Victory is the most popular at the moment and is another cologne that I combined with its parent into one entry.

Victory smells more like the Pure XS line that Paco Rabanne came out with versus being another Invictus flanker. It’s sweet and boozy. The vanilla and amber notes really come through well in the dry down, almost producing a blend of chocolate and vanilla aromas.

Luna Rossa Ocean– A lot of the Prada Luna Rossa fragrances are in the mix. The newer Ocean appears to have secured a spot in the top 20, though.

This one is a mixed bag. I loved the opening act. I wish that they could have captured that and made it last for 8 hours. The problem is, it is short-lived and the back half of the fragrance while smelling nice, is very weak.

Suede, caramel, and tonka bean with a fresh bergamot citrus was a great idea. The rest of the execution, eh…Luna Rossa Ocean Review

Le Male Le Parfum– Following in the footsteps of the original Le Male and Ultra Male, Le Parfum is now the premier option from Gaultier.

Very nice with the appealing DNA of the original Le Male, especially coming from the lavender in the beginning. This is sort of an updated version of the classic.

It also gives you hints of Ultra Male, without the same powerful sillage (though, performance is still very good). Very warm with spicy punches throughout and wrapped up in that familiar JPG vanilla note.

The Most Wanted Parfum– From ‘The Wanted’ line The Most Wanted Parfum is now the best seller on most sites. I cannot really disagree with the demand for this cologne, as it is one of the two best from the series. The other is The Most Wanted EDP.

The opening ginger note is absolute fire. I love that spicy kick and the sweet toffee dry down is also great. Not very complicated scent, but a very good one all around.

most wanted parfum review