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The 1990s was a decade which further built the continuously growing men’s fragrance market. Compared to the heavy hitters of the 1980s (see also: 1970s), the popular 90s scents usually took a lighter and fresher approach. To me, there’s just more variety of style in this decade and it’s also when I personally got to experience, my first colognes.
So, I’ve selected 20 colognes released from 1990-1999, which are either best sellers or some of the best smelling fragrances of the decade. Some, fit in both categories. The list isn’t in any particular order or ranking.
What are the Best and Most Popular Men’s Fragrances of the 1990s?
Exotic YSL
Opium Pour Homme– I’m going to start things here with an entry from YSL. Really, I think Yves Saint Laurent had an all-time great run from the 1980s through the mid-2000s with their men’s fragrance releases.
Opium Pour Homme is an under appreciated release from 1995. It followed many years after the massive success of the women’s classic of the same name. There would be a EDP and EDT release, along with several flankers in the following decade. The Eau de Parfum is basically non-existent, outside of a few remaining bottles that pop up on eBay.
The EDT survived longer, being re-issued by YSL for a time, during the last decade. I bought one of those bottles and don’t recommend it, as Opium is a thin shadow of its former self.
That being said, the original formula was fantastic. Star anise, black pepper, black currant, and balsam start things off. The spice, sharp fruitiness, and thickly warm embrace was great in the winter months.
Then, it turns sweeter with the vanilla note stepping up into the spotlight. That, along with the balsam and cedar notes. Still, somewhat spicy but I loved the blanketing effect Opium Pour Homme once had. Opium Homme Review
A Familiar All-Timer
Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces
Sure, nowadays we have options like Profondo and Profumo, but the smell of the original formula is simply amazing. The performance has taken a hit, while the aroma itself is still gorgeous.
A salty sea breeze opening act, paired with lemon and lime. It’s fresh and addictive, with further floral elements like hyacinth, neroli, and jasmine. I love the phase of this, when I get the jasmine and citrus blend coming through the most.
In terms of smell, influence, and sales…is there any way to leave Acqua di Gio off the list of all-time greats? Let alone the 1990s. AdG Review
Platinum Hits
Egoiste Platinum– The original Egoiste was technically released in 1990, but is pretty much a re-branded release by Chanel from 1987. Thus, that one ended up on my 1980s list.
For 1990s Chanel, I’m kicking things off with the sequel, Platinum Egoiste. I’ve gone back and forth about which one that I prefer (nowadays, I’m firmly in the Egoiste camp), but Platinum for sure has its own charm.
Petigrain, neroli, sage, and lavender create that fresh opening burst. This one is different from the original, as it is more of a modern take on the classic clean barbershop fragrance.
The lavender will stick around, surrounded by outdoorsy/woody notes, including vetiver and cedar. Very well put together and easy to wear. Platinum is still a hit for Chanel. Egoiste Platinum Review
The Other Chanel
Allure Homme– Allure Homme closed out the decade for Chanel, with its 1999 release. Since then, it has spawned off other great flankers under the Allure Homme title. But, this first one is a great fragrance and absolutely one of the top scents of the decade.
The opening of Allure Homme is a bright clean citrus affair, led by the mandarin orange. That note is flanked by peach and some lemon. This is paired with fresh spices including coriander, ginger, and black pepper.
Soon, the citrus will take over and the ending is a woody/vanilla/amber blend with that orange and lemon top still hanging about. Now, the performance was never amazing, but the newer batches of Allure have been disappointing.
I wished the formula was beefed up from what it is. Though, the scent itself still smells fantastic. Allure Homme Review
Jazzy Belle
Live Jazz– A flanker to the original 1980s great, Jazz. Live Jazz went in its own direction, was around for some years, before fading away entirely. However, this was another banger from YSL that too often gets overlooked.
It took until 1998 for YSL to release another flanker to Jazz after, the Prestige version. This one is a warm weather star, with notes of mint, citrus, and coriander. Live Jazz is super fresh, green and somewhat bitter, with a delightful grapefruit and lemon combination.
I had this one in the mid-2000s for a time, when I was on my initial YSL scent kick. Nowadays, it’s too expensive to track down the remaining bottles. But, The Dua Brand, has released their own inspired take on Live Jazz at a much better price. Haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on my list.
Summer Stunner
Millesime Imperial by Creed– This entry was technically released in the 1990s, but I’d say it has had more of an impact over the latter 2000s to the present.
Millesime Imperial is a salty aquatic sort of fragrance highlighted by bright citrus notes, which come across as more of a melon when applied to my skin. It’s fresh and juicy, while having warmer highlights, a touch of iris, and dry woods underneath.
To this day, it’s still among the best fragrances that Creed has ever produced. 7-9 hours of wear, not being overly complicated with its structure, but a lovely addition to a summertime rotation. Millesime Imperial Review
Gaultier’s Signature
Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier– Le Male was released back in 1995 and is still among the best selling men’s fragrances here in 2023. It has spawned dozens of flankers and special editions, many of which have become popular in their own right.
It’s a rather simple scent, but one with enough nuance to make it stand out. Early, you get a blend of warm and fresh spice with the mint and cinnamon note. The main focus however, is the vanilla and lavender. Clean, sweet, powdery, and floral.
This is still a fantastic wear, that really doesn’t cost too much and still holds up after decades. It’s an absolute classic cologne, that’s showing no signs of losing its accumulated popularity. Le Male Review
Givenchy Gold
Pi By Givenchy For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.3 Ounces
A sweet blend of vanilla and almond with underlying notes of cedar, rosemary, and mandarin to give it a dash of woodsy and citrus flavor.
I’ve never personally been too big of a fan of Pi, but I have used it some in the past. Since it still does well, there are apparently a ton of people who seem to swear by it.
Pi is another very good option for those who enjoy vanilla and is best served for use in winter. Longevity is pretty hit or miss, especially in the last batch I tried probably like 5 years ago.
The newer bottles do feel quite a bit different, than the older ones, that I remember. It does still have that great vanilla and almond combination with some boozy flourishes. Though, it feels like its lost a step. Pi is one that is going to need a re-visit soon, but it is undeniably a classic.
Boss Battle
Hugo Boss Men’s Boss No. 6 Eau de Toilette Natural Spray, 3.3 fl. oz.- Bottled No.6 is another 90s fragrance that is still popular today and along with Hugo, is one of the best that the designer released.
The apple and cinnamon notes provide a familiar sweetness and warmth from the start of the wear. If feels super clean and gourmand. Then, the vanilla note adds a layer of smoothness over the whole composition.
The dry down, adds wood notes such as sandalwood and cedar, that prevent it from going too far into the sweetness end of things and straying into a women’s fragrance.
Yes, it does have that sort of apple pie aroma, but Boss Bottled No. 6 never feels like a teenage girl’s perfume. This is a very safe to wear fragrance, that has a versatility for most every occasion. Hugo Bottled Boss Review
Citrus Spice
L’eau d’Issey– This is a fragrance that I’ve used a lot in the past. Particularly in college, I had a bottle of L’eau d’Issey around.
Since 1994, this scent has pretty much carried the label from a fragrance perspective, launching flanker after flanker and under this banner.
The actual fragrance is a sharp and spicy citrus, which packs a punch in the outset. It will start to include more tobacco, vetiver, and dry woods. Thus transforming into a cologne that is much more tolerable while remaining a unique entry into popular perfumery.
Almost 30 years later, this Issey Miyake cologne is still racking up the sales. It’s versatile and presents a nice value proposition. L’eau d’Issey Review
Unique in a Red Bottle
Xeryus Rouge by Givenchy– Xeryus Rouge is another mid-1990s fragrance that is still hanging around, even with at least a few changes along the way.
This one has a blend of red pepper, citrus, and cactus early on. Juicy with an herbal green quality to it in the early stages of the wear. The spiciness is a great touch, but this one will dry down into a woody aromatic blend that is rather traditional.
I bought a new bottle of this last year, since it was so inexpensive, and it had been years since I’d experience Xeryus Rouge. Still one that I like and a cologne that stands out against all of the ‘blue’ fragrances of the modern day. Xeryus Rouge Review
From Here to Eternity
Eternity for Men– A 1990 release that started the decade in a major way for Calvin Klein. Fresh off of the heels of the late 80s success of the Obsession line. Eternity for Men is lovely and simple in its aroma. It features notes of lavender, vetiver, and sandalwood that give off a super clean and fresh ‘soapy’ feeling.
The citrus notes add some depth and a change of pace from the lavender laden parts of this cologne’s life cycle. This is a calming masculine fragrance, that enjoys a mass appeal.
Eternity is quite herbal and floral with supporting notes such as basil and sage. It’s not a heavy spice by any means, but that light herbal kick, gives this fragrance a lively profile.
It is fresh and bright, built for the warmer months of the year, as it is such an upbeat cologne. The longevity is moderate, as is the sillage, but Eternity is a nice addition for daily wear. Eternity Cologne Review
The One You Couldn’t Escape
CK One– The mid-1990s in a bottle. CK One was absolutely everywhere during the back half of the decade and hangs around even up to present times. The real advantage it had, was being unisex, and having the massive brand cache of Calvin Klein at the time.
Yet, this is a very likeable perfume. Not my personal favorite, though it is one that I would gladly wear on occasion, if I currently had a bottle of the stuff.
Its notes are a blend of fruit and more earthy or woodsy ones. However, CK One doesn’t have a heavy or rugged aroma to it, it is clean and warm instead. The papaya and pineapple help to give this scent a light sweetness, which I think plays a major part in its appeal.
It dries down with light greenish notes, floral touches, musk, woods, and the remaining citrus. Still usually highly affordable and the performance isn’t too bad. CK One Review
Casual Refinement
Burberry for Men– Mint, cedar, and amber launch Burberry for Men. The combination is fresh with a mix of cold and warmth from the amber, with a light bergamot citrus adding further dynamism.
The mint will be there along with a clean lavender note, the cedar and sandalwood. Woodier and low key, with still a hint of spice coming through at times.
This is one that I’ve liked to come back to time and again, over the years. Still one of my favorite releases from Burberry, up to current day. Burberry for Men
The Lone Dior
Dune Pour Homme– Dior was basically absent from the men’s fragrance discussion during the 1990s. Even the early 2000s, wasn’t great from this brand, with its decent but fairly forgettable Higher line.
Dune Pour Homme is a bright spot in the darkness. While the performance is frustrating, the scent itself is unique and terrific.
Basil, sage, and cassis open things up. A trio of notes that aren’t always used (save the sage),but give this one a dynamic start. Fresh, fruity, and lots of fig coming through. Dune is extremely dry wood, herbal greens, and an early sweet fruitiness.
Not a long-lasting cologne, not a powerful one, but an absolute gem from 1997. Dune Pour Homme Review
Light Dreams
Dreamer By Gianni Versace For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces
Green and herbal, The Dreamer features a prominent tobacco note that smells more like the uncured plants than something more processed. It has a rose note, sage, and fir at the early stages. Coming across as strong and sharp, at times.
However, you end up with a sweeter and more floral fragrance. The tobacco is flanked by carnation and that rose with dry woods and fresh spice appearing throughout the wear. This was one of the last scents that came out, with Gianni still at the helm of the company. There’s nothing exactly like The Dreamer, but it still feels familiar. Dreamer Review
Peak 90s Hilfiger
Athletics By Tommy Hilfiger For Men. Cologne Spray 1.7 Ounces–
But, Hilfiger Athletics is one that often gets overlooked and was actually awesome. As such, I’m giving it the nod.
This scent was discontinued a long time ago (but you can find old bottles on Amazon, at times, which I’ve linked or eBay). It’s probably too expensive due to scarcity, for most to want it nowadays.
However, I happened to have it back when it was released in 1998, and I was in 5th grade. I lived in a very hot and humid climate and Hilfiger Athletics, was up to the task.
It was sneaky great, as I recall, and very fresh. As a sport scent, it was light with citrus notes including bergamot and grapefruit which was paired with grass and star anise. Simple…wish I still had some, but these are my memories of it.
Sporty Americana
Ralph Lauren Polo Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce
Smelling this scent takes me back, and to me, really defines what a sporty fragrance should be. This was probably the best Polo fragrance in the 1990s. It’s not too citrusy or too much of a light aquatic, rather, it blends all of these elements together to make something wonderful and upbeat.
Polo Sport takes so many different elements a does a wonderful job at blending them all together. The sharp and cool mint, the lovely lavender, the sunny citrus notes…all of which sit atop a layer of marine notes. This has always been a very versatile fragrance and works well for teenagers to adults. My Polo Sport Review
Curve
Curve by Liz Claiborne for Men – 4.2 Ounce Cologne Spray
People always see to react positively to this one, as Curve’s unique blend of notes, just draws people in. For an inexpensive cologne, this is a complement machine.
There are fruity elements such as pineapple, citrus, and juniper berries which play off a calm and clean lavender note. It is super fresh with a slight spice provided by pepper and ginger. However, the outdoorsy elements really set this Liz Claiborne creation apart.
It’s got a floral charm while being masculine and uses mahogany and cactus as a part of its base. An almost perfect choice for the younger guy, as it is non-offensive, doesn’t cost much, and is quite versatile in a number of situations. My review of Curve
Chrome Citrus
Chrome Cologne for Men 3.4 fl. oz Eau De Toilette
A very clean and fresh cologne that can become a man’s daily wear fragrance at a very inexpensive price. Chrome is simple yet a quite potent blend of citrus notes.
Chrome starts off with it strong juicy citrus notes of pineapple and lemon, giving the cologne a bright and upbeat disposition. These two are joined by a very nice neroli, giving chrome a further semi-soapy cleanliness.
During the wear, you will notice aquatic aromas, a slight metallic air, and woods at the base. Chrome is a classic, still has a good performance, and smells great all these years later. Very easy to wear and perpetually popular. Chrome review
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Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.