Best Men's Colognes

Best Men's Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I've owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides. You can also follow me on: YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok!

Uomo By Ermenegildo Zegna

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In this installment of my ever-running series of fragrance reviews on this site, I would like to take a closer look at Uomo by Ermenegildo Zegna. This is a cologne with a distinct citrus based aroma, which is something that any man could add to his collection for those warm summer days.

The question remains, however, is Uomo the right cologne to perform in this particular niche? Well, follow below, as I relate my experience and impressions of this popular scent. Note: I am updating this post again years after the original, to add more thoughts about how this one performs.

What does Uomo by Zegna Smell Like?

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Notes include: Citruses, violet leaves, cedar, bergamot, vetiver

Click here to try: Zegna Uomo By Ermenegildo Zegna 3.4 Oz/100ml Eau De Toilette Spray

My Full Wear Review

My initial impression of Uomo is how noticeable the citruses are upon opening. It’s not the same kind of strong citrus vibe that I get from something like Aventus, rather, Uomo has more of an aquatic character to it. It is a very clean scent and doesn’t have the same underlying spice of another scent in this sort of category, Acqua Di Gio.

Uomo has a very smooth and bright opening scent, which really grabs one’s attention and provides a pleasant experience. The initial opening does have a freshness, sitting underneath, which is coming mostly from the violet leaf note, as it begins to take over the composition.

This Zegna has an aquatic sort of background, without the oceanic notes. Meaning, it’s watery but not like being along the seashore. Pretty much the citrus, vetiver, and violet leaf combining to create that effect.

One scent that this actually does smell pretty close to is L’Homme Libre by YSL, which I think has been discontinued. As I am updating this review of Uomo, it is now available for really cheap, compared to what it used to be. 2023 Update: Seems to be back in the $50-70 range now.

So, if you wanted a Libre replacement or cheapie for the summer, this has become quite the value proposition.

As time passes, the cedar note begins to emerge and gives Uomo a slightly woodsy scent which adds some character and doesn’t allow it to settle into just another boring aquatic. I also start to detect the violet note more and more as the scent matures on my skin.

I really do like the scent more when it settles and has had some time to reveal itself, I wish I could say that about more fragrances. Though, Uomo definitely passes that test.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This cologne has the additional benefit of being a good performer. I tried to wear it on warmer days, in these days, where the weather gets a bit wacky and jumps and drops 25 degrees in the span of a few days.

Honestly, this one is really good in the heat. Uomo is best served as a spring and summertime cologne (though you can get away with some of the Fall, if you live in the right climate, like I do) but it stands up in temperatures where other fragrances wilt.

This Zegna scent is moderate to heavy in it’s sillage and projection. I guess I should say it’s not a ‘heavy’ feeling scent, it is one that really projects well for what it is.

Personally, I would only go with 2 sprays and feel that is more than enough. It isn’t overbearing but I could see it could quickly be overused.

I did get really nice longevity out of it, 7-8 hours and it was still immediately noticeable. After that, it starts to fade but I can detect it at 9+ hours on some days.

Uomo has above average versatility. I can wear this casually during the day, it is fine for an office, but can also be used for dates/nightlife. It’s not the ‘sexiest’ fragrance ever, but it is attractive, and is generally well-liked by others.

This could absolutely be a daily wear for someone. It can be used in a variety or situations and climates.

Overall Impressions of Uomo by Zegna

Would I recommend this scent, overall? Yes. I think it is a fairly inexpensive and well-performing choice for a summertime semi-aquatic. It both smells good and performs really well.

I’m not even much of a violet leaf fan. However, I like it in this mix. The bergamot and other citruses are really fresh and how everything comes together gives it that somewhat aquatic feel.

Drier woods and vetiver in the dry down, but this stays fresh throughout.

Is it the most incredible scent ever? No, but it is really good at what it does and as such wouldn’t be a bad buy.

I could definitely see it as a spring/summer choice for me on certain days to go along with something like Creed’s Millesime Imperial or of course my Guerlain on others.

It has similarities to other popular colognes, which takes away from its uniqueness, but provides an opportunity for a relatively cheap scent.

Invictus Aqua EDT (2016) by Paco Rabanne

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Getting back into men’s fragrance reviews, today’s entry is one from popular designer, Paco Rabanne and is a flanker to the best selling Invictus: Invictus Aqua eau de toilette. Now, this flanker cologne was released in 2016, but is it actually any good?

Update: There is another version of this, which came out in 2018. You’ll most likely find that around (if either) versus this one I’m reviewing here. In this review, I’ll cover what’s inside, how it smells, performs, and whether or not it’s even worth buying.

What does Invictus Aqua EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: yuzu, pink pepper, guaiac wood, marine notes, violet leaf, ambergris, grapefruit

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Aqua Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see what Paco Rabanne has to say about Invictus Aqua: a luminous variation with a fresh woody signature: a refreshing marine top note mixed with sparkling yuzu accents. The sensual guaiac wood base note is reinforced by vibrant pink pepper.

The opening of Invictus Aqua is dominated by fresh yuzu and marine notes. The opening is actually my favorite part of this cologne and the citrus aroma is further enhanced by the inclusion of grapefruit.

Beyond that, the pink pepper note, really helps to set Aqua apart from the other offerings in the Invictus lineup. I’m a fan of pink pepper, as it’s such an underrated note, and has helped propel cheapies like Guess Seductive to its far and wide use.

Aqua is highly fresh, a sporty aquatic, with some slight soapy vibes to it. The marine notes add the aquatic element to this fragrance and they are further paired with ambergris for further saltiness.

However, Invictus Aqua never strikes me as being quite to the level of saltiness, in Bvlgari’s Aqva. It also seems a bit more mature than the original Invictus, while still retaining that similar DNA structure. Aqua isn’t nearly as sweet.

As it dries down, I get more violet leaf, less of the marine notes, and the intro of the guaiac wood. It definitely grows into a woodier fragrance, with a slight outdoorsy dirtiness to it. The oud isn’t super powerful, but you’ll notice it, when putting your nose close to the skin.

Toward the end, what I get is yuzu, guaiac wood, ambergris, violet leaf, and the aquatic notes slowly turning into quite an oceanic scent. It starts to just smell like sea water on my skin. That happens like at the very end of the day, though.

I’m not always a huge fan of aquatics, especially when it turns to pure sea water. Invictus Aqua is exactly that, deep into the wear. It’s really not my favorite part.

Sillage, How Long Does It Last, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s not super heavy or anything. Being a spring/summer fragrance the sillage is going to be lighter, but I’d say it’s fairly strong for an aquatic. It won’t go unnoticed.

The performance from this one is actually pretty great. I can pull 8+ hours from it on my skin. Quite superb for a fragrance in this category. I’d say hours 6-8 really get oceanic, with the aroma. Before that, you’ll get more of the yuzu and violet leaf.

Seasonally, again, spring/summer. It is versatile within that time frame, however. Casual, work, and definitely one to be worn at parties or night clubs. I’d stick to the warmer months, as it just feels out of place and kind of too sharp, in the winter.

It’s attractive in its freshness, meaning, it should draw complements but I really wouldn’t say that it’s particularly sexy. For a guy in his 20s, this will be a solid go to in these scenarios.

Overall Impression of Invictus Aqua

Overall, do I like Invictus Aqua? I do. I think that it is a very good scent for what it is. I’m not looking to buy a bottle personally, since I’m not a huge fan of the Invictus line, but for those who are this is a worthy addition.

Other guys, who want a well performing and versatile warm weather cologne, Invictus Aqua is an option that should strongly be considered. The yuzu note is great, as is the pink pepper.

Not overall amazing, but a nice all around fragrance. I love the yuzu, the oud isn’t too bothersome, but the end is just too marine for my taste. When it is covered by other notes, it works better.

Update: Again, this 2016 version isn’t widely available it seems. Most of those bottle got bought up. Even the 2018 version is now scarce. Personally, I wouldn’t pay above original retail for either. So, unless you already absolutely love one or both, I wouldn’t bother tracking them down.

Chrome by Azzaro

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Chrome is a fragrance by Loris Azzaro, which is quite often a best seller and has been for years. I mean, rally since its release in 1996. Like other Azzaro scents, Chrome is an inexpensive option for men, who want something fresh yet masculine. Update: The pricing can be more affordable and it seems to have stretches when it’s on sale, then expensive again. In this post, I am going to share my experience with this cologne and whether or not I think it is worth a try.

Note: I am continually updating this post, several years after the original, to expand upon my review and talk about my latest testing of Chrome.

What does Azzaro Chrome Smell Like?

Click here to try: Men’s Chrome by Azzaro Eau de Toilette Spray – 3.4 oz.

Notes include: neroli, lemon, bergamot, rosemary, pineapple, musk, woods, and jasmine

My Full Wear Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see how Azzaro describes it: Fresh, vibrant, aquatic, woody. “A harmony as pure as metal, a blend of strength and complicity.”

The first thing you notice about Chrome is the citrus notes, mainly a blend of lemon and pineapple. It is interesting how refreshing and bright this fragrance smells, it feels quite sharp and fresh. A big player in the beginning is neroli.

Obviously, this flower plays perfectly off of the citrus top, and is joined by a light jasmine note. The top is very similar to CK One, that citrus/floral aroma, has lots of overlap with that 1990s showstopper.

Chrome always induces thoughts are bright and sunny days, in the summer. It has an aquatic-like smell at times, without having any oceanic notes, which is a nice little trick of the mind.

After the first few minutes, where neroli is powerful, the rosemary begins to come through with that herbal spiciness. It’s similar to that note in Acqua di Gio, but these are ultimately pretty different fragrances.

The first hour or so, is really all about being a citrus/floral fragrance, with a light aquatic and soapy character. Thankfully, they didn’t overload the neroli and jasmine, to make it a bath soap-like scent, those notes are empowered just enough to make Chrome smell great.

I like the dry down period quite a bit, and it does have a metallic vibe to it as the name suggests, but I don’t think it distracts from the overall presentation. The notes that emerge during this time, are the various woods, and the musk.

The musk isn’t heavy, but it is noticeable. Chrome becomes a clean woody scent, with citrus sitting on top of it, and the floral notes don’t seem as relevant anymore.

Chrome is just really vibrant and reminds me of a sunny summer day. It isn’t a complex fragrance at all really, just one that is straightforward with a clean, soapy, citrus, masculine aroma.

How Long Does Chrome Last? How Strong is the Sillage?

It does seem to be pretty strong right out of the bottle, so there’s no need for more than a couple sprays. Chrome does settle down a bit, but it can be overwhelming if too much is used, in the wrong climate.

I’d say that the sillage overall, is pretty middle of the pack, once it settles. However, the initial burst, will provide plenty of power.

Updating this review here in 2020, I still find the longevity to be really good. It’ll go 7-8 hours, off of 2-3 sprays, before become a complete skin scent. I’m not sure how long it continues after that, but sprayed on a t-shirt, Chrome just kept on going. Still a great performance value, for the price.

When Should Azzaro Chrome be Worn?

Chrome can easily be worn year round. I think it’s awesome in the summertime, but it isn’t limited by season at all, unlike some other scents. It has great versatility for both younger and older men. You can wear this one casually, to school, to work, etc.

For me, I have enjoyed wearing this when it’s warmer outside and I’m just moving about town.

It doesn’t strike me as a nighttime scent, but it’s so fresh, that it’ll get complements. It’s just not a ‘sexy’ sort of cologne. Not a nightclub monster, by any means. Also, I wouldn’t call this formal and isn’t really a luxury kind of fragrance. So, if you want something high end, it’s not this.

Is Chrome Worth a Try?

Is Chrome worth a purchase? I say it is. It is a very inexpensive cologne (usually) and one that smells good and performs well. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it is pretty versatile and pleasant, as long as it’s not overused.

It can sell for a higher price at retail stores, but on the online secondary market, you can find really cheap bottles. Go for those. 2023 Update: I’m seeing bottles in the $35-50 range, right now. Again, that seems to change every so often, and the super affordable bottles gets bought up.

This original Chrome release is still nice, after all of these years. The other flankers can be hit or miss and not have much to do with the original formula.

Even though, not everyone will like it, Chrome is still extremely popular with the masses. If you’re in the market for a cheap everyday wear, it is definitely worth a consideration.

The citrus and floral opening is great, like CK One. It can have a sharpness to it that might be off-putting for some. I’m not too bothered by it and Chrome gets better.

But, I think when the woods start to come on strong, is when this Azzaro fragrance really begins to shine. Well done.

Forever for Men by Moschino

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Forever for Men is a cologne that I’ve been meaning to do a review on for a while. It came out back in 2011, didn’t get a lot of attention, but I was always interested in trying this fragrance. I got a mini bottle to put through its paces and see how it goes. How does it smell? How does it perform? When should it be worn? Is it even worth a try?

What does Forever by Moschino Smell Like?

Notes include: star anise, kumquat, sage, pepper, bergamot, tonka bean, musk, sandalwood, vetiver

Click here to try: MOSCHINO Forever for Men Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.3oz, light

My Full Wear Review

Forever kicks things off with a blend of fruit and spice. Initially, bergamot is the strongest note to my nose, along with the star anise. After a few minutes, the kumquat takes over for the bergamot citrus opening.

From the jump it is a fresh spiciness with soapy underpinnings. Vetiver, musk, and sandalwood are all present and will take on a larger roll as things progress.

The anise spice is the strongest, but the second wave brings a fairly large dose of pepper along. That can be a good or bad thing, depending on your tastes. I think that it actually works well within this composition.

As it dries down, Forever isn’t nearly as spicy, and just becomes more of a fresh soap-like scent. A bit of tonka bean creaminess and the base notes. Clean with a bit of a greenish sort of aroma. I’m not all that into the latter stages of this one.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Does this one project like a beast? No, it’s more of a subtle scent. Not a skin scent, mind you, just a fragrance that is understated. Overall, it’s a pretty moderate sillage.

That opening hour is borderline strong, but reaches as far as above average before settling down into something more middling. 

The longevity seems to hit the 5-7 hour range, on my skin. During testing, I got 7 hours a few times, and other times it disappeared at 5. Not terrible. Moschino Forever isn’t going to blow the doors off with its performance. 

Seasonally, I could wear this anytime other than the extremes of winter or summer. Probably too sharp and fresh for the coldest days.  Outside of that, you’ve got a lot of room to run with it.

 

More of a casual or daily wear sort of cologne. It does have an attractive enough scent. You could honestly wear this on a date and get compliments, but it’s not the sexiest thing ever. Nor is it a nightlife powerhouse.

The versatility is its greatest strength. Guys from young to old could wear Forever and it would work.

Overall Impressions of Moschino Forever

Do I like this fragrance? Well, I like the start more than the dry down. As a whole, it isn’t a cologne that I’m in love with, but I don’t hate it either. It has some highlights from the anise, kumquat, and bergamot. 

That’s what had intrigued me in the first place. I like anise and kumquat as notes, both don’t get used enough for my tastes, and Forever does a good job with them for a while.

The dry down is kind of greenish, with spots of creaminess, and plenty of vetiver and musk. Soapy and more traditional. Not bad, just kind of boring after the spicier start. 

Also, the scent has plenty of versatility and enough power to be a satisfactory wear. At least it is something different from the usual mass market colognes.

Forever is usually pretty affordable, so, it may be worth a try. Not a must have, but a solid wear all around.

Guess Night by Guess

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I’ve already reviewed a few Guess brand fragrances for men on this site. Two of which were from the Seductive line of colognes that they put out. Both of those scents smell really good and are cheap to purchase (even if Seductive Blue is pretty performance poor, though, has a great aroma).

As such, I get eager to try out other offerings from this brand to see if there are other inexpensive gems that can be added to my cologne rotation. I recently tried out Guess Night which came out in 2013 and want to do a review on this fragrance to see what’s what with it. What are it’s notes? How does it smell? How does it perform? Is it worth a buy?

What does Guess Night Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, pepper, cedar, elemi, geranium, vanilla

Click here to try: Guess Night Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Guess Night is highlighted by the pepper note. It definitely has a spice to it but it isn’t all that extreme and seems to be subdued a bit by the woody cedar note and the smooth vanilla.

It is a warm kind of fragrance and I honestly don’t pick up much of the grapefruit note on my skin at all. I do, however, detect the elemi which has an amber-like aroma that I really like in a cologne.

Night is actually quite pleasant from the start but it is pretty generic and doesn’t stand out in quite the same way that the two scents from the Guess Seductive line do.

After the peppery opening, Night settles down into something more vanilla/woodsy. The cedar note gives it a dry aroma but doesn’t push this fragrance into the really ‘masculine’ category.

It is definitely for men but I wouldn’t have trouble imagining Guess Night being a unisex scent. Also, this isn’t something for mature audiences, this is a young man’s cologne for those who want something warm and inoffensive.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Guess Night is a very soft type of fragrance. It doesn’t project all that well at the start and quickly settles into a skin scent. I’d double up on the sprays for this one, and I’m someone who doesn’t like to be too loud with my colognes.

I’m not even sure I’d put that opening act at even an average level of power.

Longevity, like in Guess Seductive Homme Blue, is quite poor. You might be able to squeeze out 4 hours of solid wear, if it works with your skin and you double up. I was pretty lucky to get two hours or so with it.

That can be a downside to some of these inexpensive fragrances, even if the rest of the presentation is great. Although, they have released solid performers in the past.

This could be a fairly versatile scent, if you can get to last on your skin. It’s still one for younger guys, but it has a well put together and not a super sweet vibe, like many teenage type of colognes. Probably best for casual or daily wear at school or that sort of thing.

Overall Impressions of Guess Night

Overall, is Guess Night worth a buy? I don’t see why you would want it. I mean, it is really cheap and doesn’t smell bad. Though, it isn’t all that unique or amazing smelling either. What’s interesting is that this was in part a Francis Kurkdjian designed scent. Not his best cologne, however.

In a lot of ways, this one is like the later release, The One Gentleman. Pepper and vanilla are big players in that fragrance too.

I do like the elemi and pepper pairing up top, with the vanilla influence lurking beneath those two notes. To me, that’s the highlight of the wear.

If you want a Guess cologne that smells better and still has crappy longevity go with Seductive Homme Blue.

If you want a Guess cologne that actually performs well, go with the original Guess Seductive or 1981. Night isn’t another underrated gem, which is disappointing. I like what they were trying to go for, the execution was just poor.

I guess you can still take a chance on Guess Night, if the price is cheap enough, but I wouldn’t bother.