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!

Myslf L’Absolu by YSL

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L’Absolu is the latest Myslf flanker for 2025. It is the third installment in this increasingly popular fragrance series from YSL, but is it actually any good?

I purchased a travel sprayer of Absolu recently to test it out and put it through its paces. How does Myslf Absolu smell? Does it last long? Is it an improvement on the formula or not worth a try?

Myslf L’Absolu Overview

Notes include: ginger, bergamot, cardamom, orange blossom, woods, patchouli

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: An intense men’s cologne with a warm, woody-floral scent, amplified by cool spices and ginger for a long-lasting, radiant trail. Bergamot, ginger, and cardamom top notes offer an invigorating burst of cool spices. Rich orange blossom is at the heart, enhanced by sensual woods and deep patchouli.

Absolu really starts out well with the ginger notes taking center stage alongside that familiar bergamot note. It does indeed have a cool spiciness to it, quite fresh, and the cardamom will become more noticeable after 5-10 minutes.

That initial citrus burst in the opening will take a step back and it becomes a spicier floral blend with the ginger, cardamom, and the signature orange blossom.

You’ll notice the similarities between Absolu, EDP, and Le Parfum. To me, this one is closer to the eau de parfum overall and not as purely earthy and floral as Parfum. You get some more complexity beyond the original, but it’s more wearable for most people.

At this point, the scent has warmed up from that initial colder feeling. It still has a sparkling and slightly sweet aroma to it. The spiciness isn’t as intense and Absolu, has transitioned into its floral heart.

Orange blossom, obviously. If you’ve tried either of the other Myslf fragrances, you already know what to expect. I do think that there is another floral addition here, sort of getting a jasmine quality in the mix. It’s slight and might just be how all of the notes are interacting with one another.

The dry down is orange blossom, woods, and cardamom. There’s only a bit of patchouli peaking through on my skin. For me, I get much more of that from Le Parfum. This cardamom note seems to be a sweeter variety and has a bit of that lemon-like aroma.

Not super spicy in the back half, very nice, but more generic than what I get from the opening.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is not a heavy fragrance. It doesn’t have the same density or thickness of the Parfum version. However, this actually projects very well for a designer scent.

The first few hours especially have a far reach for me. I’ve sprayed it on a shirt across the room from me and can still pick it up well after that. Not a complete monster or anything, but I feel like I get plenty of coverage with Absolu.

Longevity wise, I still get 9-10 hours with this one, which is what I get with Myslf Le Parfum. So, it’s about equal performance between those two and better than EDP.

Seasonally, Myslf Absolu works year round basically. I’d say it’s better in moderate to warmer temperatures, maybe wear something else in the extremes, but this is a highly versatile daily wear from YSL.

Daytime or nighttime. A well put together floral cologne whose fresh spiciness will also play up during the evenings. Crowd pleasing with a bit of an edge. This could easily be plenty of people’s main fragrance or only one for that matter.

I think it’s more approachable as a floral than is Le Parfum and a more mature and refined cologne than is the eau de parfum.

Overall Impressions of Myslf L’Absolu

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, between testing this one out and also wearing Le Parfum again over the past week, I think that this is my favorite of the series thus far.

Absolu takes this series to a higher level for me. The first two were good fragrances that I enjoyed, but this Myslf flanker is bordering great.

The ginger and cardamom fresh spice up top, pair well with that more subdued use of the bergamot note. There’s a sweetness there initially too, but this one feels like a deeper version of the EDP formula without becoming as orange blossom dominant as Le Parfum (which I liked, personally).

It’s smoothness in the dry down is well done. I don’t get as much patchouli from this one, as in Le Parfum, as Absolu stays well balanced and fresh.

Now, the price being $210 retail is a bit much. YSL is definitely reaching. Initially, that will probably be a hurdle for some people.

I’d say wait on it making its way to discounters at some point. I’ve seen bottles of EDP at the same size for around $130 (and probably cheaper). Is this worth paying nearly twice as much? Probably not, especially if you already like wearing EDP.

If you already have one of the Myslf colognes that you enjoy, I don’t think that you need to rush out and buy this one. It’s different, but they all have a lot of the same use cases, so it could just be redundant to pick this one up too.

Yes, it’s better, but may not be worth it for everyone.

Try it out for sure, because you might eventually want this as a replacement for EDP or Le Parfum.

Angels’ Share on the Rocks by Kilian

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Angels’ Share has another flanker fragrance, as Kilian tries to capitalize on its insane popularity. This time, it’s Angels’ Share on the Rocks, which was released in 2025 and follows the raspberry infused Paradis.

I bought a travel sized sprayer of this new version to test it out and see what this Angels’ Share is all about. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is on the Rocks worth a try?

Angels’ Share on the Rocks Overview

Notes include: cognac essence, tonka bean, bitter orange, On the Rocks accord (bergamot, grapefruit, and lemon), aldehydes, myrrh resin

Click here to try: Angels’ Share on the Rocks from Sephora

My YouTube Review

My Full Review

Here’s how Kilian describes it:  Inspired by the way Kilian Hennessy enjoys cognac—on the rocks—this creation reimagines the Angels’ Share indulgence. The exclusive “On the Rocks” accord, a defining signature of KILIAN PARIS, elevates the experience with a zesty cocktail of Bergamot, Grapefruit, and Aldehydes, bringing a crystalline chill to this luxurious elixir. This sparkling freshness unfolds into the slow warmth of Cognac Essence, enriched by Myrrh Resin and Tonka Bean Absolute, balancing frosty brightness with a smooth, amber allure.​

The big change with Angels’ Share on the Rocks is the use of the On the Rocks accord. Essentially, it consists of the citrus and the aldehydes, giving this one a bright, cold, and juicy start when compared to the original.

I had to confirm on Kilian’s website that this perfume does indeed have all of the citrus notes that I’m picking up. The very top is a mix of that bitter orange note and lemon. Then, we’ll get some bergamot, before the grapefruit really moves in.

With that, you’re still getting plenty of the familiar DNA. Cognac and tonka bean are the most prominent.

The cinnamon spice and notes like the praline aren’t around with the same level. It’s basically there in traces with the sweetness and woodiness really getting the axe in this On the Rocks version.

There still is some spice coming through, but it doesn’t hit that same cinnamon punch as before.

One big change is the aldehydes which bring in a crisper and colder impression. Spraying this on one arm and comparing it to Angels’ Share, you really notice it being less syrupy and heavy with how it comes across.

However, there still an element of that sort of thing being around. Kilian has added myrrh resin to the mix, which is coming off more like a straight amber on my skin.

Once the initial citrus and aldehyde influence has subsided, this basically is a lighter Angels’ Share with amber, less sweetness and spice. Very chill and easy to wear, but undoubtedly something familiar.

Angels’ Share on the Rocks is a colder and still slightly citrusy blend with that myrrh, tonka bean, and cognac rounding things out.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is obviously a lighter and fresher blend versus the other Angels’ Share entries thus far. That opening hour, however, does have plenty of reach and will create a nice scent trail.

That’s when the citrus is the most prominent and it’s in the stronger camp. Then, it quickly moderates into a more intimate fragrance. You will still notice the perfume around you, but it’s not going to be bold or project like the others can.

After 4 hours or so, it’s more of a skin scent.

On me, this one seems to stick around for 6-7 hours. A definite step back from the others in the series which can hit double digits. The performance isn’t great, it’s serviceable, but don’t really expect anything too crazy from On the Rocks.

Seasonally, this is one that’s more for spring and autumn. To me, it’s not really a summertime fragrance. Sure, that first hour or so can give you that vibe, but this does still have that booziness and myrrh note giving it more body underneath the ‘On the Rocks’ accord.

I’ve worn it outside twice thus far. In the evening, it was around 72 degrees outside (22 Celsius), and it worked very well. Then, I wore it when it was daytime, around 78 degrees (25) and humid.

This second time, it was still fine, but I’m not sure how much hotter I would like to wear this perfume around in. If you’re going to be inside with the AC on, sure. Outside? I’d pass. Mainly, this is for days when its cool to warm, and I’d avoid the extremes.

This is still completely unisex, but this version should be more versatile for people. It’s less sweet, spicy, syrupy, and boozy than the other two in the series. Which is what I loved about it, but for some they’ll enjoy the lighter citrus and aldehydes on top of a more subdued Angels’ Share DNA.

Overall Impressions of Angels’ Share on the Rocks

Overall, do I like Angels’ Share on the Rocks? I do. It’s a good flanker overall, that has a near great opening act.

The back half is a lighter version of the Angels’ Share DNA with less of the oak woodiness and more amber from that myrrh note. So, if you like the original and/or wanted a lighter and fresher version of it, here you go.

It’s not completely different, you’ll know that it is an Angels’ Share fragrance, but it gives you a different look than either of the previous two.

Again, it’s not really a summertime version of the scent. It’s better in warmer weather, but the heat wouldn’t be too great with this perfume.

I also don’t think it’s one that you’d necessarily need if you already have the original or Paradis. Maybe if you need a replacement bottle, you could pick up this instead.

The lack of spice, sweetness, and woodiness might appeal to some people that thought the others were too much. For me? I love the original Angels’ Share. This one is a really good flanker, but I’m losing some on the performance along with much of what I enjoyed about the first entry.

On the Rocks is worth trying out at the very least and may be worth buying depending on what you want from an Angels’ Share fragrance.

Kouros Silver by YSL

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Kouros Silver is one that flew under the radar for me when it was released back in 2015. It has been discontinued for a long while now, but I had the opportunity to buy a small decant of the cologne, and jumped at the chance to review it for the site. How does Kouros Silver smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

YSL Kouros Silver Overview

Notes include: apple, sage, wood, amber

My Full Review

So, right away, Silver has nothing to do with the original Kouros. That’s not a problem really, as other Kouros flankers like Body, smelled completely different as well. The precedent had already been set before this 2015 release, ever came around.

Now, what is interesting coming to this fragrance in 2022, is how much similarity is has to YSL’s Y line of colognes, that came afterward. Kouros Silver is very much like a stripped down version of a Y fragrance, packaged under the Kouros banner. A nice little way to make some cash, before launching a new line.

However, the scent itself, is actually kind of nice. The sage here is lighter than in Y, there’s no ginger, and the amber is less forceful.

What you get is a great sweet apple note, with some light sage in the opening. For the base, it is amber and just a touch of wood. That’s basically the cologne.

Now, the sage and apple pairing is fresh and does give you an herbal quality, but it isn’t like its later counterpart.

Early on it leans heavy on the apple. Later, it’s more of an amber fragrance with the sweetness of apple still lingering. Simple, but likeable.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Silver actually has some power and trail leaving ability to it. It really jumps off the skin well, while still being a moderate cologne. It’s not heavy, but the projection is surprisingly good, especially in those first few hours of wear.

Not weak or poor performing at all.

The longevity was at least 7 hours on my skin, with the ability to hit 8. I don’t think that Kouros Silver goes beyond that. Though, it is no slouch.

Seasonally, this works well pretty much any time. Here in November, it is sort of chilly out but above freezing, and Kouros Silver was still fine for me outside. I might skip out on the depths of winter, but it wouldn’t be awful or anything.

Primarily though, Silver is a spring and summertime cologne, as that’s what it was designed for. I imagine it’ll be even better, in a warmer environment.

This is more of a casual fragrance. You could wear it during the daytime, it might draw complements, but it is low key and less in your face than many other scents.

Overall Impressions of Kouros Silver

Overall, do I like Kouros Silver? I sort of do. I’m not blown away by it and see how it’s a precursor to Y, but it actually does smell nice. I really like the early stages when the apple is in full effect.

Even the amber dry down is still pleasant, even if, a bit boring.

The performance is solid, the aroma is nice, and Silver is a very easy to wear fragrance. As long as you don’t try to compare it to the original Kouros, it’s not a bad cologne by any stretch.

Then again, there’s nothing here that is amazing or makes it a must have. Especially now that it’s been discontinued and the prices for the remaining bottles seem way too high. Not really a stand out from YSL, kind of an odd and short-lived entry.

It’s basically an interesting footnote in the Saint Laurent fragrance catalog at this point, but it wasn’t a terrible experience. Still, it’s somewhere near the bottom of the list in terms of their overall catalog, which is probably the best of any designer.

Givenchy L’interdit vs Intense

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L’Interdit is a tuberose led fragrance series, that has grown in popularity over the past few years. New releases have seemingly one upped each other, but what really is the best fragrance? Today’s comparison is between the original L’Interdit EDP and EDP Intense. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the one to buy?

Tale of the Tape: L’Interdit vs. Intense

L’Interdit EDP

Notes include: tuberose, pear, orange blossom, jasmine, vetiver, ginger, patchouli, vanilla, ambroxan

Click here to try: Givenchy L’interdit Women, Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7 Fl Oz

My Full Review: L’Interdit EDP

L’Interdit Intense

Notes include: vanilla, tuberose, orange blossom, sesame, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: L’Interdit EDP Intense by Givenchy

Read my Full Review: Intense
l'interdit intense review

Opening

L’Interdit EDP starts off with a blend of pear, bergamot, orange blossom, and ginger. The bergamot and ginger add an initial kick to the mix, but quickly fade out.

The orange blossom is the star white floral in the early stages, that will be joined by tuberose and jasmine, as they strengthen. But, I actually get a good deal of patchouli from EDP, on my skin.

It’s at its absolute sweetest, at this point, and becoming increasingly floral. Some don’t care much for that level of sweetness, but I think it absolutely works here.

With Intense, at the start, you get a strong orange blossom, a bit of spiciness, vanilla, and the usual tuberose note. Early though, that orange blossom is stronger.

This one doesn’t have the sweetness, no fruitiness, but does include a nice sesame note.  It’s nutty and gives Intense a different smell from the others in the series.

Which is better? It’s a close call, but I still like the EDP’s opening act versus Intense. The sesame note, which I do really enjoy, is more of a factor a bit later on. Both have orange blossom, but I dig the sweeter aspects of EDP.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Both of these fragrances are strong and leave a great scent trail for a long time. I don’t think anyone would be disappointed with either.

They have the potential to fill a room if sprayed too much and will be very noticeable throughout the wear. These Givenchy perfumes are no slouches with how much punch that they pack.

However, Intense does have the edge here. It is the strongest of the series, has the furthest reaching projection, etc. Now, EDP is second best, but it is a distinct second place.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

With L’Interdit EDP, it will last between 8-9.5 hours on my skin. It is a good amount of range, but definitely leaned towards the higher end, during testing.

Intense does take this category, as I get at least 9 hours with it. But, the majority of the time it easily exceeds 10 hours of total wear, and even a few beyond that. So, it lives up to the stronger moniker, and performs wonderfully.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

So, seasonally each of these fits into more of the autumn and winter time frame. But, EDP can venture deeper into springtime than can Intense.

Yet, Intense is probably the better option if you want something for nighttime, while still having the option to be a daytime wear, if you don’t overdo it.

Head to head, it’s kind of a wash and neither really sets themselves apart with how versatile they are.

Edge: Push

givenchy l'interdit perfume

Overall Scent

Overall, which one do I prefer?

With EDP, I like the opening act with the pear and the orange blossom. Sure, a candy-like at times, but still a wonderful scent. The dry down is more of the traditional tuberose led, white floral.

With Intense, I get the same a really good start, but a somewhat boring finish. Here, it is tuberose and vanilla. Like, all of the more interesting aspects of the perfume have faded.

That opening is worthwhile, yet falls short in terms of my enjoyment when compared to L’Interdit eau de parfum.

So, in my mind, the original EDP is better than Intense. Actually, Rouge is the best of them all. But, in this contest, EDP.

Now, for some who don’t like the sweetness of EDP nor the spice of Rouge, Intense is going to be the one you want to go with. It’s third best, but honestly not too far behind the others.

The performance is better and the sesame/orange blossom notes are great. Finish is still fine, but just nothing amazing.

Winner: L’Interdit EDP

Good Fortune EDP by Viktor & Rolf

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Good Fortune is a new 2022 release from Viktor & Rolf. It is cool that they put out something else besides another Flowerbomb flanker. As such, I was wanting to give this one a go and see what it was all about. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is Good Fortune worth a try?

Good Fortune EDP Overview

Notes include: vanilla, fennel, jasmine, gentiana

Click here to try: Good Fortune EDP

My Full Review

Here’s how it’s described: Good Fortune Eau de Parfum is the epitome of a new positive lifestyle. This visionary women’s perfume is an olfactive manifesto for spirituality and self-potentialization, bringing you the power to create your own destiny.

Good Fortune is a fragrance that is rather simple, but doesn’t strike me as being generic, even with its use of jasmine and vanilla notes.

It opens up with a blend of fennel and gentiana. It is an interesting mix and lends some unique aspects to Good Fortune. It’s got a bittersweet, somewhat vegetal quality.

Fennel has a licorice-like smell, this one is of the sweeter variety, and I’ve come across it before in the men’s fragrance 212 VIP Black. 

It’s got a certain sweetness to it, but this isn’t exactly candy-like or anything. It’s more of an aromatic with hints of a citrus aroma at times. Interesting, with a rooty/earthy aroma for a period.

Once we’re past the opening stage, the jasmine note really comes into its own. The gentiana seems to fade, as far as I can tell. Fennel is always there, just less pronounced. So, the back half of this perfume is a jasmine/vanilla mix, with it’s own twist thanks to that fennel.

Really, it’s a jasmine white floral with some vanilla (not a ton) and a freshness to it.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatilty

The scent is absolutely capable of filling up a room. I sprayed it on a t-shirt and can pick it up from across my living room, no problem. On skin, I think this leaves a substantial scent trail and can project very well.

Not the most massive bomb of a perfume ever, but it is really surprisingly powerful.

On my skin, this one can go just over 8 hours. Maybe 7-8 hours, on most occasions, but I wouldn’t expect too much beyond that. That’s good and I have no real complaints from a performance standpoint.

Seasonally, maybe at its peak during the more mild parts of autumn or springtime. I had it one outside in the chilly December weather and thought that it worked well in the cold. It’s got a colder aroma anyway, but didn’t feel out of place.

I don’t find this to be all that sexy of a perfume or one that’s really formal or anything. It could be a pleasant smelling daytime wear with the ability to go into the night. More casual to semi-formal, with a certain level of mass appeal, despite some bad reviews.

Overall Impressions of Good Fortune

Overall, do I like Good Fortune? It’s not a complete love for me, but I don’t hate it. I’ve seen this fragrance get a lot of poor reviews, but I’m not sure that I totally understand why.

It’s got a simple formula, but I don’t really know what it smells exactly like either. I don’t find it to be generic. Yes, a scent with a heavy use of jasmine is going to stir up a lot of memories of other perfumes, but what specifically?

Sweetish beginning, with some bitter earthy aromas, fresh, with a purple-whitish impression of color.

Maybe at its price point, it’s too expensive. Fair enough. I just don’t think it’s terrible.

Update: This one has since spawned a number of flanker fragrances. The best one thus far is Good Fortune Elixir Intense. So, you might want to check that one out first before the eau de parfum.

The scent itself stands out with that opening act. I don’t want a massive jasmine fragrance, but some people will. I think that this is worth a try, out of the mainstream mass appealing scents.

Good Fortune is polarizing, so if you want to give it a go, probably grab a sample to see if it appeals to you.