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!

5 Best Bentley Colognes for Men

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Bentley is another of the car manufacturers, that have gotten into the fragrance game, over the past decade. The thing is, most of the auto company colognes, are actually at least pretty good. Bentley is one that has really come out with some strong releases, at very reasonable prices. In this post, I want to present a best of list from the brand, to help you find the right one.

What are the Best Smelling Bentley Fragrances?

Intense Boozy Spice

Bentley for Men Intense– Intense is like an old school bay rum fragrance, with a modern update. Spices, bay leaf, and rum are some of the main features in the early act of this Bentley cologne.

Really rum and cinnamon, with the bay leaf and pepper flanking that main accord. The leather and woods will really come on later to smooth this one out.

The cedar, wood, and incense come to prominence in that later act of this scent. Really fresh, leathery, amber, and a smokiness to it.

I like how it develops from more of a boozy spice to a sweeter leather, woods and resinous amber notes. It does have a strong sillage, especially during that first hour or so, but you get the performance at a low cost.

Masculine Amber Warmth

Bentley For Men ABSOLUTE Eau de Parfum EDP Spray 3.4 fl oz / 100ml, Multi– Absolute is another one, that like Intense, really goes for a bold aroma. Though, this one takes it in a bit of a different direction.

Amber and cedar are going to be the main drivers of this cologne, especially in the dry down phase. Early on, it really packs a punch with its spicy/peppery scent, that also gives off a fairly dense smokiness.

Later, it tones it down for something that is creamier, smoother, and warm. It’s woodiness adds a very dry layer to Bentley for Men Absolute.

Not going to be for everyone, as it’s a style that you’ll have to be into. Best in colder weather.

The Unique Floral

Bentley Black Edition by Bentley Eau De Parfum Spray for Men 3.4 Ounce– Black Edition is a pretty interesting scent, that is the most floral of the lot, and has a really nice and powdery violet note.

But, it’s also sweet up top with tangerine, spice, and an ambroxan aroma. The pink pepper and tangerine remind me of Guess Seductive, not in terms of smell, but just a similar warm sweetness in the opening.

Then, this will shift to becoming more earthy and woody. The powdery sweetness will stick around. But, there is a patchouli note that comes through, fresh cedar, and a dry mossy accord.

It’s a really interesting fragrance, sort of like a lot of colognes, but not quite exactly like any of them. I’m not a huge violet fan, but this I can make an exception for.

Mass Appeal Ambroxan and Lavender

Bentley Momentum Intense Men EDP Spray 3.4 oz– Momentum Intense is one of the brands more mass appealing fragrances. The lavender note is going to be the lead here, but I think that it is actually pretty balanced and doesn’t go too far into ‘lavender bomb’ territory.

It has a sweet aroma with a warm and resinous quality to it, with a hefty dose of amberwood/ambroxan in the base of the fragrance. I don’t find it to be super sugary or anything like that, but it does have quite sweet facets mixed with aromatic thanks to that lavender and fresh geranium.

Early on there is some spice, but the dry down is a light woods with that synthetic amber aroma and lavender. Not super complicated, but it is attractive enough, and something that is pretty easy to wear. Nice performance, not super beast mode, however.

Fresh Daily Wear

Bentley for Men Silverlake– Silverlake is a newer release from the brand. It draws a lot of comparisons to Acqua di Gio, which is pretty accurate. But, the question is which edition of that scent is it closest to? For me, it’s a mix. Also, it sort of stands on its own too.

It’s fresher and cooler than most AdG entries and none of the same aquatic notes. I can see, Essenza (based on memories) somewhat, but not quite (I think that’s been overplayed). The original AdG? Maybe. Less floral jasmine and juiciness overall.

Anyway, as a stand alone fragrance Bentley Silverlake this is more greenish fresh than anything blue-ish aquatic. Though, that is there to an extent. Mint and violet leaf play well off of the citrus top, consisting of lemon essence.

It’s cleaner and has a soapy-like quality to it. The performance is pretty darn good at this price point and it’s one that is easy to wear in a variety of situations.

Paris-Biarritz by Chanel

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Chanel’s Les Eaux de Chanel line is one that I’ve been testing out for a while now. I’ve become familiar with all of the scents and am now writing up my full reviews of each. Today’s entry is Paris-Biarritz. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is this one worth a try?

What does Paris-Biarritz Smell Like?

Notes include: grapefruit, mandarin, lily-of-the-valley, vetiver, musk, neroli, patchouli

Click here to try: Paris-Biarritz by Chanel

My Full Review

Paris-Biarritz begins with its citrus notes out in full force. According to Chanel, it is grapefruit and mandarin orange. But, I definitely pick up on a lemon note, pretty clearly. To me, it actually starts off the strongest.

The citrus is juicy, refreshing, but very cold. Almost like they threw in an iced accord. The composition does have a bit of an aquatic note in there. Almost oceanic, in how it comes across. Now, it isn’t super powerful, but I get it each time I spray this perfume.

Beyond all of that, the neroli not adds to the citrus, while also creating a green and spicy fresh undertone to Biarritz.

Once the juiciness of the citrus has faded, this becomes drier, greener, and more floral. Neroli and lily of the valley are the floral notes here. Paris-Biarritz becomes a balanced mix of those along with some ample vetiver, musk, and patchouli.

It’s a light soapy citrus with woody, green, and musky aromas exchanging places during the dry down. It’s something I’ve experienced with plenty of other scents, but the watery/sea vibe I get, does give it some distinction.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one is pretty moderate at first. Then, becoming lighter for the rest of the wear. Now, the citrus notes can initially come on strong, as it has that usual sharpness. That is short-lived.

For the rest of the wear, it is going to sit close to the skin, 2-3 feet away. Not a powerhouse, like most summertime citrus perfumes.

The longevity also isn’t very good. I can squeeze 4-5 hours out of Paris-Biarritz, with a bit of over-spraying. That’s about all it is going to provide. Not shocking for the type of perfume this is, but I’d expect more.

Seasonally, this is a warm day wear for spring and summertime. It is a unisex fragrance, that sort of starts off more masculine, and finishes more floral and feminine. It’s about the same impression as something like, Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford.

If you can wear that, this will be fine.

I would stick to daytime wear. Around town casually, maybe to work, or semi-formal events. It’s attractive and clean, but not anything that would be considered sexy.

Overall Impressions of Paris-Biarritz

Overall, do I like Paris-Biarritz? Yes, I do. It’s just my least favorite of the Les Eaux de Chanel line of perfumes.

The aroma itself is nice.  I really like the citrus top, with its cold juiciness. The rest of the wear, it pretty standard issue. It smells like a bunch of other stuff, which is fine, but not at Chanel prices. Plus, there are better options than this from the brand.

The longevity here is only 5 hours at best, which doesn’t lend itself to wanting to acquire a full bottle. If that were beefed up, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to it. Though, I can’t say that this one that I’d constantly be wanting to wear.

It’s nice, with how it smells. The performance is meh. Just not too much to get excited about with this one. Not terrible, just not a must have.

Perfect by Marc Jacobs

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I received a sample of Perfect by Marc Jacobs by mistake. With an order, they sent me a whole host of women’s perfumes, when I ordered samples for men. Oh well. As such, I am going to add to my ladies’ fragrance reviews, and start things off with this 2020 release. How does Perfect smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

What does Perfect by Marc Jacobs Smell Like?

Notes include: daffodil, rhubarb, almond milk, cedar, cashmeran 

Click here to try: Marc Jacobs Perfect Women 3.3 oz EDP Spray 

My Full Review

Before we get into my own review, let’s see how Marc Jacobs describes it: A bright daffodil and juicy rhubarb accord meets soft cashmeran and comforting notes of almond ilk. Dazzling and unexpected. Perfect, just like you.

The opening is quite bright and juicy. The rhubarb accord comes across like strawberries mixed with a greenish aroma. There also seems to be some other fruity note or at least the impression there, smells sort of like cherry to my nose.

That’ll stick around for a little while, as the daffodil gains strength, along with the light and semi-sweet almond milk. The almond milk actually isn’t too heavy in the mix, don’t expect a huge creaminess or anything, but it is there.

The top is juicy and candy-like (sweet/tart), while this one will dry down into something more woody fresh and musky.

As it moves along, the cashmeran will be the main player alongside the daffodil. It actually never turns into a pure floral play, but is rather balanced in how it presents.

That sweet-tart aroma of the rhubarb accord will fade. It is a clean, slightly soapy scent, with a milky woody base. Not too complicated, but very nice.

Projection, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it is fairly strong, while the rhubarb is around. Then, it will be a lighter to moderate wear, without much of a trail.

Overall, I’d say it’s above average, but it’s not going to project like crazy.

The longevity is also good, but not amazing. I get about 7-8 hours of wear, on my skin. So, around a workday, which is fine unless you need a marathon performer.

Seasonally, this one is a spring and summertime wear, all the way. It completely matches a daytime of sunshine and greenery.

It’s not a ‘teenagers’ fragrance, even if they can also where this. Though, it does have a youthful energy. Probably not going to be something that you wear formally. However, it’s safe enough to wear for most other occasions.

Not really a romantic or nightlife wear. Stick to the daytime, but you can use it a whole lot in that timeframe.

Overall Impressions of Perfect

Overall, do I like Perfect? I do enjoy it. It doesn’t live up to the name exactly, but it is a very nice and uplifting perfume from Marc Jacobs.

I like the opening with the rhubarb and how the daffodil starts to come through underneath. It reminds me of a sunny spring day and it all just has a nice energy to it.

As it dries down, I appreciate that it doesn’t go full on floral or green, but instead takes a more balanced approach. The almond milk isn’t all that forceful, but in its limited role (at least on me), it does add a nice touch.

The performance is good all around, even if it isn’t a powerhouse. I don’t think most people would be disappointed by it.

Maybe you should avoid, if you don’t like that sweet tart strawberry/cherry like vibe. If that’s you’re thing, you will probably get plenty of use out of this in the spring and summertime. It’s pretty, not overwhelming, and has some decent versatility.

Platinum égoïste by Chanel

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Chanel Egoiste Platinum was released back in 1993, as a follow up to the popular original Egoiste. Though, the two really don’t have too much in common. This is already a classic, that I’ve come back to over the years, and have enjoyed. Even if, this fougere sort of cologne isn’t my personal style…I’ve always dug this. I recently picked up a sample again to see how it’s holding up today, so, this is going to be my review.

What does Egoiste Platinum Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, rosemary, petitgrain, amber, clary sage, geranium, cedar, vetiver, sandalwood, jasmine, and more

Click here to try: Platinum Egoiste by Chanel

chanel platinum review

My Full Review

Before we get into my take on this scent, let’s see how Chanel describes it:
PLATINUM ÉGOÏSTE is a fragrance for the extrovert who isn’t afraid of making himself known. The fresh and aromatic notes of the energetic fougère-green accord represent the strength of the man with a commanding presence.

In the early opening, Platinum Egoiste gives me a blast of petitgrain and sage early on. These two are flanked by neroli and lavender, the latter of which is going to play a major part throughout.

It’s like a fresh soap aroma, with an edginess to it. Proper clean, but with an air of confidence. After 15 mintues or so, the neroli and petitgrain have begun to move on, and I get rosemary and sage in their place.

Greenish, herbal, fresh spicy, and lavender. At some point, it does begin to transition to being a lavender and woody aroma, rather than spicy herbal. The aroma is very dry and outdoorsy without being too rough about it.

The vetiver plays the largest role out of the woodsy notes, but geranium has it time in the spotlight, and really gives Platinum its greenish scent. Cedar and sandalwood split the rest of the duties.

Finally, the final dry down is still going with the lavender, amber, woods, but a mossy note does come through. It’s not too pronounced on my skin, but its there. Not a huge change from what had been happening, but just enough.

Projection, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage with this is solid within the first few hours, but it does get quite a bit lighter thereafter. Not a complete monster, but with a good amount of sprays it will be noticed, linger, and can be picked up from 4-6 feet away.

Platinum creates a nice scent bubble, just not an extreme one.

The longevity on bottles nowadays, seems to sit in the 5-7 hour range depending on the day. If it’s a bit colder outside, it sticks to my skin more so than when it gets even somewhat warm.

If you want performance, you’ll have to overspray to a degree, and just accept you’ll end up buying another bottle. Just how it is.

One thing that this has going for it, is just how versatile it is. Platinum Egoiste works well in any season pretty much. Personally, I avoid the hottest days to spray this one on, but it’s honestly not terrible then either.

Mostly, I’d stick to autumn through early spring. Mild days are better than colder ones.

This is a classic barbershop style fougere cologne. It’s clean and easy to wear with a spicy fresh edge. It absolutely works for the office, just as a daily wear, or even into the evening. Not a club beast or something that’s in your face, Platinum is low-key confidence.

I will say that it can be worn by men of any age, so long as your style isn’t completely casual. It has an attractive quality, sexiness, and women seem to enjoy it. All in a classy presentation.

Overall Impressions of Platinum

Overall, do I like Platinum? Yes, in this style of cologne, it is one of my favorites. I do like a clean scent. I will usually go with a powdery one. With this Chanel, I get a change of pace with fresh spiciness, lavender, and woody/earthy elements.

It’s all very balanced and easy to wear. Classic without falling into old man territory. This is a Chanel that will be a signature fragrance for some guys. If you love it, it’s something that will absolutely stick around in your collection.

I don’t think it is one for every guy, however. Sure, try it, but don’t be surprised if it isn’t something you vibe with. Not everyone wants a shaving cream/soapy sort of wear. I will say, give it time to develop on your skin and come back to it again…it can take time to fully appreciate.

It’s a masculine fragrance, not one that is going to be confused for a unisex perfume. If it sounds intriguing, give it a go.

5 Best Smelling Guess Colognes for Men

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When looking for new colognes to wear, it can be a very good idea to include several inexpensive options within your collection, just to have some nice and casual everyday wears. It can get really pricey to put on the top designers day after day. One brand that has a solid albeit limited line of cheap men’s fragrances is Guess.

Guess was a really popular fashion line, especially in the early 1990s but still produces colognes that can fill the void for those who need something to wear without dropping some serious coin. In this post, I want to present five cologne options from Guess that I think are the best smelling scents that they have released thus far.

What are the Best Smelling Guess Colognes?

Best Guess Fragrance

Guess Seductive Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce– This is my favorite Guess cologne overall. I think that Seductive Blue smells a bit better, but it doesn’t perform nearly as well as the original. Seductive Homme has a warm amber sweetness with notes of pink pepper, musk, and orchid.

It kicks off with a nice mandarin orange note and the slight spice and warmth of cardamom. It is fairly cardamom heavy, in the initial phase of the wear. The sweet and spicy blend continues forward with the inclusion of the amber, musk, and light black pepper note.

As it dries down further, it becomes sweeter, with the additional orchid note coming through. Not super powerful, but strong enough to be noticed, and gets me 6-8 hours of wear. A great value buy. Read my full review

guess seductive homme review

Top Newer Release

Guess 1981 Los Angeles, 3.4 Oz– Plum and bergamot are the fruity notes here, which add a bit of sweetness to the opening act of 1981 Los Angeles. Beyond that, it is a fresh aromatic with spicy notes of pepper and ginger coming on early in the wear.

It’s fresh and cold at first with a pretty big dose of mint outshining the spices and geranium note. As it dries down, it will feel herbal and warm with an amber base. It retains its fresh spices, gains woodiness (vetiver and sandalwood), loses much of the fruity sweetness, but develops a powdery aroma which is actually pretty good.

Similar to Eros? Similar style, but not an exact match or anything. But, that’s the sort of fragrance you should expect, just toning down the boldness. Not the best performer on skin, but you get an initial strong sillage, and a decent enough longevity for the price.

Fresh Spice, Citrus/Amber

Guess By Marciano by Guess for Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4-Ounce– A more mature fragrance than the other Guess offerings. It’s got a mandarin orange note that isn’t summery like the one in Nautica Voyage, for example.

That note is pretty close to Seductive Homme. This is spicier and (smells) leathery and while it’s not my style, I’ll still have to call it one of their best.

Guess by Marciano is sort of like Seductive Homme, if it took the spicier route rather than the sweeter. You get the orange, amber, and pepper here. However, it also includes the freshness of ginger and sage.  The amber feels a bit more resinous, as well.

Nice performance and finishes things off with a somewhat woody base. I had a sample sprayer of this years back. While I wasn’t in love with it, I did finish using the cologne, and enjoyed aspects of it.

Fresh and Woodsy

Guess By Parlux Fragrances For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5 Oz.– A woodsy and spicy scent that is a different fragrance from any of the others on this list. With notes like wormwood and fir, you know you’re getting something that is green and outdoorsy.

Yet, Guess Man is still quite fresh and feels very clean. This is another safe bet for everyday wear that won’t break the bank and gives decent performance. Guess is better for the cooler months of the year. It has a semi-aquatic feeling, at times, with an herbal finish and a nice sandalwood base.

Performance is just okay. Not a powerhouse, in terms of sillage or longevity. But, it can usually be had for super cheap, which can allow you to overlook its faults.

Clean, Powdery, and Attractive

Guess Seductive Homme Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, Blue, 3.4 Ounce– I loved this scent when I first smelled it and thought that I had another cheap daily wear to go to. It’s a powdery blend of spice and citrus highlighted by a cardamom note. Blue is fresh, aquatic, and pretty unique.

The aquatic elements sit in the background, but they are there, if your nose can discern them. It does have that powdery freshness, but it isn’t a heavy or overbearing kind of smell. It’s light and has a cold and warm push/pull, sort of sensation.

The performance of this one versus the original Guess Seductive, is quite stark. Aside from the fact, that they really don’t have much in common other than cardamom and some citrus. It just didn’t last on my skin, which is highly disappointing. Maybe, you’ll have better luck with it. Guess Seductive Homme Blue Review