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!

Gentleman EDP Reserve Privee by Givenchy

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Givenchy’s Gentleman series continues to churn out flanker fragrances. For 2022, the brand has introduced Reserve Privee, as its latest edition. Based on the notes alone, it looks like it could be a winner. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Gentleman Reserve Privee Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, iris, benzoin, whiskey absolute, chestnut, cedar, vetiver and patchouli

Click here to try: Reserve Privee at Macy’s

My Full Review

Tried it? Use the comment section below to rate and review this cologne.

Here’s how Givenchy describes it: The sensuality of ambery wood is faceted by luminous ethereal iris for an utterly addictive, heady duet. Infused with smooth natural whisky absolute, this fragrance has been crafted in grasse using aromatic barley from refined scottish distillery.

So, immediately upon spraying, I am instantly reminded of three fragrances: Dior Homme 2011, Dior Homme Intense, and Uomo by Valentino. Each of these shares a part with this new Givenchy in the opening stages.

I will say, it is closest to the way that Dior Homme Intense opens, and least like Dior Homme.

It shares that opening bergamot with Dior Homme and Uomo. But, within this Givenchy composition, the citrus feels much lighter. Instead, you get a nutty iris aroma, which kind of turns into a somewhat chocolatey scent. Though, it is mostly smelling like chestnut early.

This is like DHI with the nutty part of Uomo (except not creamy hazelnut) and none of the leather of Uomo of Dior Homme.

Anyway, focusing on Reserve Privee alone, the whiskey from the base does give it a nice distinction and I really enjoy the way that it plays off of that chestnut and iris. It still has that usual iris powder, but it doesn’t ever develop into a baby powder overload. Warm and tempered.

After this first stage, the chestnut plays much less of a role here, and Gentleman Reserve Privee is more of a distinct scent from the others I’ve mentioned. The whiskey early on, gives this a darker feeling, but that lightens up when this shifts.

The wood from the base and the amber really step up to basically split duties with the iris note. Those three are going to dominate the rest of the wear, with some of the remaining whiskey/chestnut playing a role.

Like I said, the fragrance has more of a chocolatey dry down version the nuttiness of the initial spray. But, that smell is like the fifth weighted out of the ingredients at this point.

Benzoin is here too, but I don’t really get much of the patchouli note. The resinous quality of the benzoin is more apparent in the dry down. Hitting the fourth most dominant note here, at its peak.

Eventually, this just becomes a woody amber aroma with some remaining iris. Everything else has pretty much burned off at this point.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one starts out moderate, but will become a lighter and near skin scent for much of the wear.

Initially, you will get nice projection and a scent trail out of this one. That opening is pretty good in that regard. But, thereafter Gentleman Reserve Privee is going to be rather intimate with how it presents.

That being said, the fragrance doesn’t just fade away. It will actually last on the skin for 8-9 hours. You do get a long lasting fragrance, just not a powerhouse one.

Seasonally, this one is best in colder to moderate temperatures. Autumn and winter, mainly, with some ability to venture into the spring.

Well suited for the nightlife. It is attractive and sexy. I am sure this one will have a mass appeal, like the Dior Homme’s and Valentino’s. It can also be worn during the day, since it has a refinement and isn’t overly boozy.

While it is mature, this isn’t one that should scare away younger guys from trying it. It’s very wearable, just not begging for attention.

Overall Impressions of Reserve Privee

Overall, do I like Gentleman Reserve Privee? I do. But, it isn’t as good as either of the Dior Homme’s I mentioned nor is it as good as the Valentino Uomo line.

Sure, this one smells nice. I particularly enjoy the opening 30-45 minutes or so. But, it’s like a mimic of the other colognes that I’ve mentioned, while not hitting the same level.

I do like the whiskey and chestnut, which help to somewhat distinguish it (particularly the boozy). It’s warm, attractive, and one that will draw plenty of complements. On that front, I really have no complaints.

The sillage isn’t massive, especially past that first stage. However, I will give it credit for sticking around for a fairly long time, even in that lighter state.

The dry down is probably the weakest part. It’s pretty boring. The iris, wood, and amber is the vast majority of what you’re going to get. It smells fine, but nothing too groundbreaking.

Overall, I can recommend to give Reserve Privee a try. But, I’m not going to be buying a full bottle personally, when I can pick up the others that I mentioned (or already have bottles of).

It’s a really good cologne, that doesn’t quite hit the great or classic level. Still, it’s one of the best releases of 2022.

The One for Men EDP Intense by D&G

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The One series has been a massively successful line for Dolce & Gabbana, in both men’s and women’s fragrances. 2020, saw the release of this flanker, The One for Men Eau de Parfum Intense. An intense version of the EDP edition of The One for Men. Yes, the name’s get confusing. I grabbed a sample to test out and see how this newer release compares and if it is worth a try.

What does The One for Men EDP Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: cardamom, neroli, cypress, clary sage, benzoin, cashmeran, leather, labdanum, patchouli

Click here to try: The One EDP Intense

one edp intense review

My Full Review

Here’s how D&G describes it:  The One For Men Eau de Parfum Intense, finds its magnetic appeal in a daring fusion of opposites. Intensely masculine, fascinating yet authentic, it is a scent of extremes – warm neroli golden facets with deep black leather in an enigmatic expression of olfactory chiaroscuro.

The One EDP Intense opens up with a pretty unique mix of spice, woods, and floral. It’s definitely fresh and has a much cooler aroma than that of the original warmth found in The One EDT.

Cardamom, sage, and cypress are pretty heavy after the initial spray. I have to say, I really like the opening here. The neroli, leather, and more resinous notes aren’t yet fully apparent; but, you can pick them up in the background.

While it matches the spiciness of the original The One fragrances, this one goes in a much woodier direction. That cypress note stands out on my skin. While it will weaken, as things move along, it stay around for the duration.

Actually while this has a unique sort of aroma, this has a lot of overlap with L’Homme Ideal L’Intense by Guerlain, which I have a full bottle of. In fact, I may prefer this D&G cologne to that one. Nonetheless, they share: leather, labdanum, cardamom, and patchouli. Not the same smokiness, though.

Ultimately different scents, but with a similar style and notes to one another.

Cardamom and neroli will start to muscle out the cypress. The neroli has its moment to shine, but will fade, on my skin at least. At this point, The One EDP Intense is a fresh and spicy cologne with an earthy/resinous/woodsy quality.

A bit further, the leather will really come in more. It never overwhelms the rest of the composition but that smoothness will keep this one from becoming too dirty. The benzoin and labdanum outweigh the patchouli.

This supplies the amber and resinous quality, which will most resemble the original The One EDT. This is much more resinous, medicinal, and animalistic than the sweeter amber of the original, but plays about the same role in terms of its presence.

The leather, is a lighter player versus the tobacco in the EDT.

At the end, I get an ambery cardamom with woods/leather and the remnants of the rest of the neroli. Not as spicy, as the beginning and to me, the patchouli never really comes across as being that heavy in the mix.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, I don’t find this to be massive, even for an ‘Intense EDP’. I’d say it’s probably above average at its peak, and pretty moderate thereafter. Better than the original for sure, I just don’t think it really will bomb out a room.

This seems to hit the 5.5-7 hour range, on the skin. Again, an improvement and decent. Just not going to be a marathon runner, by any means. I think it provides a decent value, EDP Intense just doesn’t go above and beyond.

Seasonally, autumn through the very early part of spring. This is best for chilly to colder temperatures, but wouldn’t be bad in something more moderate. Just avoid the heat and put it away during the summer.

It does indeed have an appealing and dark sexiness about it. I personally think the EDT smells more attractive, but this would be nice as a nightlife scent.

It’s a bit more dense, masculine, and dirtier than some of the others in the series. But, that earthiness is a fraction of its personality.

Overall Impressions of The One EDP Intense

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, it takes a different direction than the original The One or even the EDP version, but it still has its own appeal within that uniqueness. I don’t enjoy the smell as much, as the EDT version, but this is still quite a nice wear.

Also, the performance blows the EDT version out of the water, even while not being a beast mode fragrance itself. That 5-7 hours, will net you probably around 4 with solid sillage, and go closer to the skin until it evaporates entirely.

I like the freshness, earthiness, and somewhat bitter opening act. It’s smooth and fresh, but doesn’t have the same warmth and ambery sweetness at the EDT.

Cypress, sage, benzoin, and the leather are the highlights for me. Is that enough to make it a must have? No.

But, The One EDP Intense is worthy of a try. For some, this will be the among the best of the series, while others may enjoy the formulations which closely mimic the original.

The One for Men by Dolce & Gabbana

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The One EDT was literally one of the first fragrances I bought to review when I started this site back in 2013. If I actually ever posted my review, it has since been deleted, as the performance of this cologne was so bad that I felt it to be useless to post.

Well, fast forward to today, I wanted to dive into this whole D&G collection and start off by revisiting this 2008 release that has been mega-popular ever since. I always loved the smell, it just lasted for less than an hour on my skin, at the time. Has that changed? What are my thoughts now after nearly a decade of avoidance? Please continue below for my full take.

What does The One for Men Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, basil, coriander, amber, tobacco, ginger, cardamom, orange blossom, and cedar

Click here to try: The One EDT

the one for men review

My Full Review

Before we get into my review, here’s how D&G describes it: Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men is an elegant, sensual perfume that is decidedly modern but also a unique, timeless classic. It is the natural, masculine version of Dolce & Gabbana The One. An Oriental Spicy perfume which is developed from the harmony of Tobacco notes and refined spices.

The One EDT opens up fresh with its grapefruit and array of spices taking center stage.  The grapefruit here is more along the lines of the older versions of the brand’s Light Blue fragrances, instead of the realistic one used in Light Blue Forever.

The spices early on are a mix, but you can pick out a few. The coriander is stronger than that basil note, but even that has its run during the initial spray.

It’s a warm oriental sort of spice, sitting on that base sea of amber, and given a pop by the fairly short-lived citrus note. Basil and ginger are two of my favorite and underutilized spices in fragrances…and both are the first to fade away.

Coriander and cardamom are really the one’s which show up on my skin. With the latter, adding a bit more of a citrus like impression with grapefruit and the white floral orange blossom heart.

The initial fresh spiciness will begin to take a back seat. The One becomes smoother and smokier with how it presents itself. Just a light smokiness, rather than heavy incense or anything like that.

The spices also become more of a combination versus anything distinct in how they present. At this point, it’s a amber and tobacco show with a noticeable cedar, and hints of: spices, smokiness, orange blossom, and a very light citrus.

The final dry down is basically a faint amber and tobacco without much else. Still smells nice, you just need to press your nose to it. Spicy and fresh gives way to a still warm and somewhat sweet scent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, that initial 30-45 minutes or so is pretty solid. Even with 4-5 sprays from sample vials, I still got a good trail going from either skin or clothing.

It probably peaks at the 5-6 foot range off of the skin. After that, you’re going to be looking at something that sits within 1-2 feet. That draw down is really fast from being noticeable to if not a skin scent, close to it.

So, I also tested The One out side by side with a fragrance of a similar style, Noir Extreme by Tom Ford. 5 sprays on the one sample vial versus 2 sprays of a Noir Extreme vial. An hour or so in, the Tom Ford has a much more noticeable presence.

Seasonally, the warmth and spices is built for the autumn and winter months. I would avoid the hotter weather and humidity. Cold to moderate temperatures is where The One for Men smells absolutely divine.

It is a versatile fragrance. It is a sexy and attractive date night or nightlife wear. Though, it’s not offensive or completely out of place during the day. The tobacco note, might not always be appropriate, but it also might not be strong enough to really matter.

It is an interesting fragrance, as it does have a level of maturity to it. While also being dynamic and not at all stuffy. Younger guys and a lot of teenagers, really wouldn’t have an issue using this cologne.

Overall Impressions of The One EDT

Overall, do I like The One for Men? The smell, I still adore. The performance…still pretty bad. Though, not as terrible as I remember.

I mean 3-4 hours is absolutely not great. Especially when the projection is so light a few hours in. This is in contrast to my memory of it not lasting an hour previously.

The One features some of my favorite notes and a style, which I really enjoy. Ginger, basil, cardamom. Orange blossom is among my favorite floral notes. Amber is great. Plus, a very nice rich tobacco note for this sort of mainstream cologne.

The problem is, when all combined together…these notes don’t hold up in an EDT concentration.

As such, is it a buy? I mean, maybe. I would try to get a huge discount. Probably putting on some unscented lotion on my skin before spraying, to aid longevity. Also, I’d spray it heavily each time using.

The One EDT is an amazing smelling and mass appealing fragrance. Performance for most folks, just isn’t great. Really, among the best sellers in this category, it smells better than the vast majority.

Kate Spade New York EDP

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Kate Spade New York EDP is a perfume that was released back in 2020. It really wasn’t on my radar for a long time, but when I had the opportunity to get a hold of a sample, I made sure to grab it. I have been testing it out on and off over the past few months, in order to post my full review. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Kate Spade New York EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: strawberry, rose, ambroxan, cashmeran, freesia, citrus

Click here to try: Kate Spade New York

My Full Review

Here’s how the brand describes it: Sparkling, joyful, sensual and feminine, the Kate Spade New York fragrance is a bright, colorful blend of fruits and flowers including wild strawberry and rose essence with alluring hints of ambrox and cashmeran.

When I first received a sample of this perfume, I really wasn’t in any sort of rush to try it out. Though, I must say, I’m pleasantly surprised with what I got from Kate Spade New York.

The strawberry is the main attraction in the early stage, especially. Very nice and more of a naturalistic sort of strawberry aroma than something completely candy-like. But, there is still a mixed drink aspect to this with the citrus notes.

So, leaning natural, but somewhere in between that and a strawberry flavoring.

Bergamot and I think there is some grapefruit coming through as well. These support players really help to make the strawberry pop after first spraying. Plus, this doesn’t ever stray too tart to my nose, more sweetish without overdoing it.

The rose essence isn’t too heavy in the mix. So, if you’re looking for a rose-based scent, this won’t be it. More of a background player early on, and definitely loses some ground to the freesia, which adds a light watery vibe to the composition.

Also, that dewy aroma does give it a touch of light greenish smell, after the initial fruity overload subsides.

This will be led by the strawberry note for the duration. Ambroxan gives it that synthetic amber finish and the woodiness of the cashmeran becomes more pronounced, as it enters the final stage.

So: strawberry and the remaining citrus, cashmeran, ambroxan, and the general floral impression that is left.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one opens up with a strong punch and an ability to leave a trail. Though, it will moderate quite a bit.

To me, it never weakens entirely and is fairly solid during its complete cycle. It just doesn’t maintain that initial burst caused by the fruity notes.

It will project well. Maybe around 7 feet at the max, more 3-4 foot range, for much of the wear.

On me, this seems to stick around for 6-7 hours. That last hour is faint, but New York is still there. It’s not a workhorse or a monster performer, but pretty decent on the whole.

Seasonally, the uplifting fruitiness makes this a star in the spring and summer months. Really sits well in the warmer air and is just pleasant to be around. Maybe out of place in the autumn and winter, however.

This is geared toward a younger woman’s style. It’s a nice daily wear. Not completely immature, mind you, but teens and women in their 20s would do fine with this one.

Very attractive and pretty, than anything like a ‘sexy’ nightlife perfume. A playful fruity perfume, that isn’t an overly sweet or cloying mess. It’s got style, but remains fun.

Overall Impressions of Kate Spade New York

Overall, do I like Kate Spade New York? I do. It’s not a super amazing perfume, but I like it and its rather simple profile.

The style is very much like Burberry Her, while smelling fairly different and better, for that matter. I like the pairing of the strawberry and citrus notes. With the floral notes, ambroxan, and casmeran you get a good balance…while still getting a fruiter perfume.

The performance is good enough for what it is. A daily wear for the warmer months, that is pleasing and not going to break the bank. It never felt like a weak perfume, while wearing it.

It’s worth checking out, if this sounds like it might be your style. Nothing groundbreaking, just one that is well-executed, and enjoyable.

Paris-Riviera by Chanel

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Les Eaux de Chanel is a newer series of fragrances from the famous French design house. I’ve tested out the first five from the line and have been posting my reviews of each. Today, it is going to be my thoughts on Paris-Riviera. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

What does Paris-Riviera Smell Like?

Notes include: orange, neroli, petitgrain, sandalwood, jasmine, musk, benzoin

Click here to try: Paris-Riviera by Chanel

My Full Review

Here’s how Chanel describes it: A fresh, solar fragrance that evokes the carefree charm of the French Riviera, where Gabrielle Chanel built her villa, La Pausa.

Paris-Riviera starts off with a burst of zesty citrus and neroli. The citrus is mostly made up of orange, but I do detect a bit of the bergamot note, the designer seems to use in other perfumes.

The zest of that citrus is joined by the dominant neroli note and petitgrain. Both of which have their own citrus aromas and the green freshness of the petitgrain also plays a big role at this early stage.

This one isn’t sweet. The fragrance does have more of a bitter orange aroma, especially during the latter part that the citrus sticks around.

Paris-Riviera does remind me a lot of the array of Tom Ford summertime fragrances, that utilize neroli. So, could serve as an alternative to those who are fans of those scents.

It’s not too heavy or sharp, but has a fresh and clean energetic kind of aroma to it. The jasmine note does come in for me, taking over the neroli as the heavier weighting, but early it’s about the neroli. Though, it’s never too lopsided either way.

The jasmine will be joined by a general muskiness and benzoin note, which gives this some resinous highlights during the dry down. Paris-Riviera becomes less about zesty citrus and more of a soapy and indeed drier perfume.

Jasmine, sandalwood, neroli, and that benzoin/muskiness. Sandalwood really seems to make a late push with this and Riviera ends up being a woody floral…not wholly the citrus floral, that started things out.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one is pretty moderate. Probably on the lighter side of the moderate spectrum. Though, I think that it has a fairly strong peak in the beginning. With normal sprays, you should get a little scent trail from it.

On the whole, I found it to be just fine during testing. Noticeable, while note being particularly in your face about it.

Paris-Riviera seems to hit the 4-6 foot mark, in terms of how far it will project off of my skin. Not bad, but this isn’t a powerhouse.

The longevity is in the 6-7 hour range. Again, not spectacular, but solid and pretty useful for this style of perfume. Really about what the other Les Eaux fragrances give you in terms of hours of wear.

Seasonally, this is spring and summer all the way. Clean, fresh, and upbeat with bright aroma in the early stages.

It does have pretty good versatility within that seasonal context. It’s much much more of a daytime sort of fragrance. Casual, semi-formal, or work is fine.

It’s a pleasant aroma, but not something that is going to be wildly attractive or sexy. Not really a Chanel that is built for the nightlife.

Overall Impressions of Paris-Riviera

Overall, do I like Paris-Riviera? I do like it. It’s not a love for me, but I find it to be an enjoyable enough perfume. As of now, I’d rank it as my fourth favorite from the Les Eaux de Chanel line of scents.

I thought that I might like this one more than I actually do, going into the testing. It’s a fine fragrance, probably a bit too expensive based on what you get with Chanel prices. Likeable and certainly nothing offensive even amid the periods of greater intensity.

The opening might be a mixed back for some people. It can have a cleaner-like aroma, but I don’t find it to be too off-putting. The citrus is the usual Chanel fare, with the petitgrain and neroli too, it might overwhelm some folks.

However, the dry down is particularly nice. Soft and low key. But, the sandalwood and benzoin mixing with a more balanced floral presentation works well for this perfume.

Good performance for a summer scent, just don’t expect anything amazing. That being said, this is a good Chanel perfume, just not a top tier option. So, you may not want to pay their prices just to own it.

Paris-Riviera isn’t a must have, but certainly worth a try, if this sounds like it could fit your personal style.