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!

Burberry for Men by Burberry

by

Burberry is a highly popular British design house which includes on its roster of fragrances, many top sellers in both the male and female markets. While the company offers mass-market designer scents, most of their products retain a sense of elegance and refinement, for which the brand is known for.

In this post, I want to take a closer look at the company’s namesake cologne, Burberry for Men eau de toilette, and examine whether or not it delivers value for the average guy seeking a great cologne. Check out my Best Burberry Colognes post!

What does Burberry for Men Smell Like?

FullSizeRender (49)

Notes include: mint, lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, bergamot, musk, vanilla, cedar, and amber.

Click here to try: BURBERRY Men’s Classic Eau de Toilette

My Full Review

Burberry for Men is casual cologne for the gentleman. This fragrance is not loud or obnoxious, rather, it exudes a refined subtlety that is perfect for everyday wear.

This flagship cologne from Burberry has a spicy and woodsy scent to it, like Burberry London, but it offers up smoother citrusy note (bergamot) which really sets the two apart (another smooth Burberry choice is Brit).

The opening is fresh with a mint/cedar/amber blend that is fine mix of a cool spice with warmth provided by the amber. It is quite attractive in how understated yet utterly alluring it can be. Also, that bergamot note is there to play off of the mint in a light pseudo-mojito vibe.

The spice on this one is also understated, especially as Burberry for Men begins to dry down, at that point it begins to take on the woodsy or earthy notes and settles into a fragrance with a lot of masculine charm. There lots of cedar and sandalwood, with lavender calming things.

This newer bottle that I purchased in 2018, is quite dry and smooth, after about an hour or so. There are herbal/floral elements dancing around in the background, but I mostly get the mint, cedar, lavender, and sandalwood, as the main core of it.

Sillage and Longevity

I would say that it probably rates as slightly above average in terms of its how long it lasts on the skin, it will last a full workday, won’t quit early but don’t expect it to pull overtime either. 7-8 hours seems about right, on my skin.

Projection wise it is a pretty moderate fragrance. It doesn’t take over but it gets the job done quite well.  (Also see: Burberry for Men vs Burberry Brit Comparison)

Versatility

Seasonally, I find that it can work year round, for the most part. I usually avoid wearing it in the high heat of summer, but I might if it is a more moderate day. Mostly, I like it in autumn through springtime, but don’t wear it too often in winter, as I have so many other options for that period of time.

Update: I’ve gone through my entire bottle and I mostly used Burberry for Men in the first half of autumn and then some in spring.

What I really enjoy about this fragrance is its smoothness. There are too many colognes that can be way too harsh and take over any room a man steps into.

Burberry, is like a good utility player, it is versatile to wear to both work and out for a night on the town and is wholly pleasant, even if it isn’t necessarily a in your face standout.

I’ve worn Burberry for Men on dates and it felt like it was in the right place. I could wear it casually or when close to a woman, that’s what makes this such a solid addition to any man’s collection.

Though, I will say that this will mostly be something that younger guys go for. This Burberry fragrance is a good one for high school and college aged guys, while not feeling completely cheap or being relegated to just that demographic.

Overall Impressions of Burberry for Men

All in all, Burberry for men is a fresh and smooth everyday scent, that won’t jump out as something wholly unique or spectacularly in your face. It is a fragrance which stays in the background of one’s life and earns its keep by adding a bit of class to it.

The more I’ve worn Burberry for Men, the more that I’ve come to appreciate it. It seems to alternate with Brit and London as my favorite scent to wear from this brand. Though, I’d put it as my third choice, as of late.

It all kind of depends on my mood that day, as they all seem to fit in just fine during the fall and winter months. You can usually find a bottle at a good price nowadays and I’m using the little 1.7 oz one that I bought, on a regular basis. Still dig it.

It’s unique, stylish, and different from most of the offerings that have come out in the last decade. Burberry for Men doesn’t feel dated at all. It’s a nice value play and one that I can return to time and time again.

Luna Rossa Sport by Prada

by

This is the first time that I have gotten to a Prada fragrance on this site.  No particular reason for that but I really wanted to write about this fragrance because it caught my attention. When I saw the name, I must admit that I thought it would be a different type of fragrance profile…you know, something ‘sporty’ or outdoorsy but it was something else all together.

Luckily, it wasn’t a disappointment to smell this Luna Rossa flanker, and whatever my expectations were; they went out the window. With that in mind, please continue reading below for my full take and breakdown of Luna Rossa Sport.

What does Luna Rossa Sport Smell Like?

Notes include: Vanilla, juniper berry, ginger, lavender, and tonka bean

Shop on Amazon: Prada Luna Rossa SPORT Eau de Toilette Spray 3.4 oz

My Full Review

The first thing that I really noticed about this scent was how sweet and clean it was. I really dug the opening of the tonka bean with just an underlying hint of vanilla, which really begins to emerge later.

It’s got an aromatic powdery scent to it, but unlike something such as Joop!, it isn’t accompanied by a heavier spice. It’s a sweeter and more airy scent like Kouros Body (again without the spice) or Eros by Versace (without the heaviness).

Ultimately, it reminds me most of Armani Code Profumo, in how it presents itself, and the two notes it has in common. While the opening is delicious and reminiscent of other fragrances, I think its unique qualities emerge with time.

Beyond the vanilla and tonka bean in the opening, there is also a nice juniper, and a clean ginger spice. These two really contribute to the fresh and mild spicy profile.

This does create a dynamic feeling to this edition of the Luna Rossa line, that the original just didn’t have, with its bright citrus and lavender paring.

The one thing that is very familiar about Luna Rossa Sport, is its use of the lavender note that is prevalent throughout the series. I don’t feel like it’s as heavy as it is in Luna Rossa Carbon, for example, and seems much more subdued by the tonka bean note.

It’s utterly refreshing with a bit of a crisp bite lying underneath, which I guess is the ginger note, at play.

Versatility

Again, this isn’t a sporty scent in the usual sense of the word, I would categorize it as a sexy and versatile fragrance. You could definitely wear this out on a date or to the office or school.

It has an ability to be worn by all ages, but probably best for mid-20s and up. It’s a well put together, ‘sport’ fragrance, and doesn’t have a cheapie youthful aroma.

I actually like it the best during the colder months of the year, it hangs so well in the crisp night air of both autumn and winter. I’d give it a go in the springtime, but summer around here is much to humid.

Luna Rossa Sport is pretty linear and what you get at about 10-15 minutes in, is what you should expect from the cologne thereafter.

Sillage and Longevity

The projection is decent. I don’t find it to have as much sillage as Carbon but around the same amount as the original Luna Rossa. Sport has more depth than the original and can therefore seem heavier than it actually is.

That tonka bean and vanilla creaminess/smoothness can make it have thicker aroma, but the sillage isn’t as powerful as it might lead you to believe.

It’ll be noticeable around 8 feet from the skin, at first, before moving in closer to the 3-4 foot range. That initial burst, is pretty short lived, while being a pretty high peak.

The longevity is more stable, and I can pull 6-7 hours from this one, without a problem. This fragrance, isn’t an absolute workhorse. Though, it does give a solid enough performance to be useful

Overall Impressions of Luna Rossa Sport

Overall, do I like Luna Rossa Sport? Yes, it is quite an underrated fragrance in my mind. I think it gets overlooked because it is so simple and there are so many other Luna Rossa variants out there now, that Sport can get lost in the shuffle.

It is more of a subtle fragrance, that isn’t weak, but doesn’t overpower either. Sport features a crispy freshness and a rush of aromatic clean. I dig it and have absolutely loved wearing it around as of late.

The juniper and tonka bean pairing, isn’t always something that I’m in the mood for. Some days, it can feel annoying. Nonetheless, it really does have an appeal, which keeps bringing me back to this scent.

The whole Luna Rossa line has been great. Eau Sport is another one that really gets no love, but should be checked out.

Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani

by

Since its release in 1997, Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani, has enjoyed an immense popularity and success in terms of praise and sales. This cologne is always at the top of the charts in terms of numbers of units sold and enjoys a near universal appeal.  For this post, I want to take a deeper look at this popular Armani fragrance and explore what exactly gives it this appeal.

Note: I have come back to this post, to revamp and really, do an all new review. I have grabbed a sample of the latest batch, that I could get, and tested it out. Reformulations do happen with fragrances over time (although this wasn’t completely different from what I remember of older bottles).

Key Takeaways on Acqua di Gio

  • An absolute classic, that’s continues to be a best seller
  • Breezy citrus aquatic with spice and jasmine highlights
  • Moderate performance with newer batches
  • Easy and approachable daily wear. Great starter fragrance.

What does Acqua di Gio Smell Like?

acqua

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

AdG Fully Tested Review

Acqua di Gio opens up with a whole host of citrus notes blended with a slightly salty marine aroma. It’s immediately very fresh and clean, easy to see why it has become an absolute classic. It is a bright scent with a summery disposition and conjures up images of a breezy shoreline.

The citrus is a lime and lemon affair mostly, but with definite bits of tangerine floating around in there. It’s a great smell, that can actually be sour at points, but that’s not a persistent feature.

AdG has always had this undertone of floral notes, I definitely pick up on jasmine being in the opening stages, which is a nice contrast from the juicy citrus and aquatic elements. Though, when you move forward in the dry down, there is neroli and hyacinth also peaking through at times.

I have really been enjoying that opening lime and lemon, especially when it starts to transition, and more of the jasmine comes out. That phase it utterly fantastic.

If all Acqua di Gio offered was some citrus and light floral notes, it would have never been as copied by other perfume manufacturers as it has been in these past 20+ years. No, what I think it is that gives it its strength, is that woody base and the pure aquatic vibe.

These two aspects permeate every part of this cologne, its sort of a water-logged cedar soaked in the citrus juices. Then, add some light musk, and other slightly spicy ingredients to boost the freshness. It never gets bogged down or overly spiced, just super clean and upbeat.

The version that I am using in 2020 for this review, doesn’t seem to have quite the same amount of woodiness, but it is still there. This batch feels quite more marine than I remember the older ones being, but that might be a trick of memory, rather than reformulation. Overall, it is quite like how I remember.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s always had a moderate but solid sillage. It’s an aquatic after all, so it’s not going to be a complete bomb of a scent. You can certainly over-spray and choke out a room, but with normal application, it will be a narrow radius of scent around the wearer.

I get about 6 hours of wear from this sample, maybe closer to 7 during some wears. Again, not amazing but a very solid daily wear.

This is probably one area, where this fragrance has lost a step over the years. The longevity, is still good, but the other AdG scents have a much better performance. The sillage in the later hours is fairly soft, also.

Seasonally, I really like it in the warm weather, but in actuality this can be an all-purpose cologne and that’s what guys have been doing for decades. It’s also kind of become a unisex fragrance, at this point, because many women really enjoy this smell and so don it themselves.

AdG is of course a very versatile cologne that can be worn casually or more formally or out on a date. It’s been a best seller for a reason, people really love this aroma, in general.

It does skew more for younger men, but I think its flanker AdG Profumo, is better for older guys (and better overall).

Nonetheless, it still has a mass appeal and can be safely worn by anybody. There’s a reason, it became a classic.

Overall Impressions of Acqua di Gio

Overall, do I still like Acqua di Gio, all these years later? I have to say that I do. It’s not my favorite cologne, I like Profumo more, and it’s been copied countless times…but it is still a very good scent.

It really set the stage for many colognes that came out from the late-1990s on and is going to be a best seller for many more decades probably. For citrus aquatics, this is still among the best to ever do it, and bottles are certainly easy to come by.

I do enjoy most of the newer AdG offerings more than this. However, the citrus opening and the use of jasmine here is still awesome. That’s what is distinct about it versus the others and experiencing it again, is what made me tear through my samples pretty fast.

This is still a good cologne. There are just other options out there, that smell very similar to this, but are much more affordable. For me, I appreciate this scent, but don’t have much use for it anymore.

That being said, I’ve been seeing Armani put this one sale a whole lot lately. So, maybe some of that value can come into play for those looking to get a bottle. With discount codes, you can get a giant bottle for at a nice price, and I could be swayed to grab one if the mood struck.

Le Jardin de Monsieur Li by Hermes

by

I have a ton of reviews to write up and hundreds of other assorted posts coming over the next month or two, so, it’s going to get busy around these parts. Let’s kick off this extravaganza with a unisex perfume review.

Today’s entry we have a 2015 release by Hermes: Le Jardin de Monsieur Li. How does this scent stack up? How does it perform? Is it any good? Please read below for my full take.

What does Le Jardin de Monsieur Li Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, kumquat, sap, mint, grassy notes, watery notes

Click here to try: Hermes Le Jardin De Monsieur Li Eau de Toilette, 3.3 Fluid Ounce

Hermes: Real or imaginary…A garden of awakening and harmony

Full Wear Review

Le Jardin de Monsieur Li opens up with an exceedingly bright and sweet aroma, led by the kumquat note. It’s got a very citrusy scent, that is quite watery, and does indeed remind me of a small garden pond. This fragrance is really peaceful, attractive, and well put together in its simplicity.

At the start, I do get some minty element underneath the watery kumquat, but it never really takes over the composition. Instead, it is a light and cool spice, that dances in the background. At the heart of it all, is the jasmine note, which gives off its usual clean white floral scent.

It’s really super fresh at the start, but, increasingly becomes a floral garden blend as you move along. However, while that kumquat and mint are really big, Le Jardin totally grabs your attention.

Further along in the wear, it feels greener, with some herbal or grassy sort of smells mixed into the scent. The kumquat dies down about 20-30 minutes into the wear and the jasmine becomes more pronounced.

As it dries down, the jasmine will become the main aroma, and I detect only bits of citrus and grass. Even so, it is still a very attractive fragrance, at that point.

Finally, it is a sort of soapy jasmine perfume, with a persistent watery element. I do like how Hermes, managed to capture that walking in a garden on a summer’s day feeling.

It reminds me of trips to the various botanical gardens, I’ve been to, over the years. Upbeat, smooth, but quite a simple and straightforward fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage on Le Jardin is pretty light and airy. However, it isn’t really weak. This is one of those perfumes you won’t notice that you are wearing at times, and then, suddenly catch a whiff of. Others will notice it too, it’s just not one that will take over a room.

Longevity is in the 4-6 hour range depending on the day, not that amazing, but still useful. I think this is all by design, though. It is supposed to evoke memories, create an experience, that you’re unsure of if it is real or isn’t.

But, even with that being the case, I do wish that you could squeeze a few more hours out of the wear. 4-6 isn’t bad for a warmer weather fragrance, but it isn’t great either.

Seasonally, this one is spring and summer, totally. This is listed as a unisex fragrance, but it does lean more towards the feminine end of the spectrum.

Though, it is still completely wearable for men, I had no problems with smelling too ‘girly’ while wearing this Hermes. A green garden aroma, with jasmine and mint, is pretty much right down the middle.

Le Jardin is good for casual or dressed up daytime wear and I wouldn’t be opposed to wearing it for an evening out. It is attractive and quite pleasing to be around, not really sexy, but something people will definitely enjoy smelling.

I would wear this more during the day casually, versus formally in the evening, or to a bar or wherever. Point blank, probably not going to be a signature perfume for most people, but one that could for sure have a spot in a fragrance rotation.

Overall Impressions of Le Jardin de Monsieur Li

Overall, do I enjoy Le Jardin de Monsieur Li? Yes, it is a very elegant and simple scent. This Hermes fragrance is put together beautifully with the kumquat, jasmine, and green elements. I really do like the opening 20 minutes, a whole lot. I think that the kumquat and light mint are utterly superb.

There isn’t much development or complexity, but it really doesn’t matter here, at all. It is all that it needs to be in order to be successful with the mood that it is trying to accomplish.

A moment in time, in a meditative garden? Sounds about right. Too many of these garden scents go the overly floral route, to where it is simply too much. Others will go hyper green and smell like a collection of watery stems. Hermes went the simple route and it paid off.

This is a perfume that is designed to create an impression and experience. Sort of a ‘concept’ fragrance. I think that its really great in that aspect. I do enjoy the overall experience, but more so the beginning.

Most of this line of fragrances from Hermes are really good. This one ranks right near the top, in my opinion.

It’s one from the series that you should definitely try. Though, admittedly, it won’t appeal to everyone. Probably wouldn’t be something you’d completely hate, but might not find enticing enough.

The pricing here in 2024, has gotten pretty high for what this perfume is. So, if you want to buy, try to get it from a discounter to save some cash.

7 Best Baby Powder Scented Perfumes for Her

by

Baby powder is an aroma that most of us are familiar with and have had memories of, since our earlies stages of development. That soft and delicate scent, almost instantaneously brings about thoughts of being clean. As such, that style of smell, is pretty popular in the fragrance world. It’s not super dominant or anything, but happens often enough to be its own niche.

In this post, I am going to give seven options, for perfumes that are scented like baby powder. I have already done the men’s list, so, check that out too for more options (that aren’t overly masculine).

What are the Best Ladies Perfumes that Smell like Baby Powder?

Classic Kenzo Powder

Flower by Kenzo for Women – 3.3 Ounce EDP Spray– Kenzo Flower is a very popular fragrance and has been for a long time now. It also happens to have an aroma that pretty closely approximates baby powder.

It’s a bit sweeter and creamier, than the real thing, which is to be expected with vanilla and black currant notes. However, the violet and rose, give Flower a very powdery finish that is quite soft and comforting.

The opening act, is probably the least like our target, but it settles down into that fresh powdery scent. The rose note isn’t overwhelming here, either. So, don’t expect it to be heavy, in that regard.

Prada Iris

Prada Milano Infusion D’Iris Eau de parfum Spray Women by Prada, 3.4 Ounce– Less of a heavy powdery iris note here, but one that is very clean, fresh, with lovely citrus notes in support. The iris being kept in check somewhat, actually works to this fragrances advantage.

Orange flower, mandarin, neroli, and cedar come together to create a beautiful Prada fragrance with a soapy/powdery sort of dry down. Infusion D’Iris is woody and green to go along with the iris note, which create a soft ,and airy gem of a perfume.

Coming back to this one again recently, it really comes across as being dry and a freshly clean sensation. The iris and cedar note in the final stages is utterly wonderful.

Sweet Gourmand Powder

EAU DE CHARLOTTE Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Eau de Charlotte is a wonderfully unique yet simple blend of floral notes, vanilla, and cacao. You get a strong mimosa in the start of the perfume, then the floral aroma shifts more to lily of the valley.

Even the cacao note, gives Eau de Charlotte a drier quality versus a creamier refined chocolate sort of smell. It does give a slight variation to what we’re going for but still close by.

Meanwhile, the clean and sweet undertones, create a powdery and ever so slight gourmand scent. This one is light with decent performance and a cheerful disposition. Not an exact replica of baby powder, but an interesting take, nonetheless.

Guerlain Baby Powder and Cream

Shalimar Eau De Toilette Spray for Women by Guerlain, 3 Ounce– The EDT version of Shalimar goes much more in the baby powder direction, than does the EDP. The opening features a nice citrus top, provided by bergamot, before the other notes fully emerge. In this one you get: iris, tonka bean, and vanilla.

Obviously, that iris is going to give you a powdery finish, while the tonka and vanilla bring that creamy sweetness. The citrus note, sets this one apart, and give Shalimar EDT a nice distinction from the rest of the lot. Shalimar is refined, classic, and mature without being stale.

The opening has a dynamic feeling to it, with the citrus and a greater influence of the other floral notes. Actually, some earthiness is present early on. Not a lot, but detectable. The dry down softens and becomes more weighted towards powdery and vanilla touches.

Donna Karan Clean Fragrance

Cashmere Mist By Donna Karan For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4-Ounces– Suede, vanilla, and sandalwood come together to create a powdery sort of aroma. Later, Cashmere Mist becomes a bit muskier, but the EDP has less of that than the other versions.

It is fresh and clean, with an amber and sandalwood dry down. The jasmine/sandalwood, gives it a somewhat soapy quality, but it’s more of a powder overall.

Very soft and cozy wear. The undertones are floral and woody versus anything coming across as sweet. Clean, powdered, and comfortable with a nice performance level.

Floral Make-Up Bag and Baby Powder

Paris By Yves Saint Laurent For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.– A classic from YSL named after the city and provides a wonderful floral experience with very powdery qualities. Now, this one kind of mixes that lipstick/makeup bag sort of powder with a more traditional baby powder, probably leaning more towards the former.

However,  the rose, mimosa, and heliotrope notes ebb and flow in terms of power and can definitely change how this comes across. This used to be a heavier powdery fragrance, it’s still there but not to the same extent, from the last time I checked in.

Paris does have an old school feeling, but I’ve always found it to be a charming perfume.

paris

A One Note Perfume

Demeter by Demeter Baby Powder Cologne Spray 4 oz– Demeter is a brand that sells perfumes, specifically designed to smell like a specific note or product. The results can be hit or miss, but this one, definitely captures that baby powder aroma to a tee.

It is essentially that fresh and slightly sweet aroma in a spray perfume form.

You can get a bottle for $20-30, but don’t expect much in the way of development, or insane performance. However, if you want just a pure capture of that scent in perfume form, this is it.