The best perfumes for men in the world
Scent is important. It’s one of the first things people will notice about you, be it long-time friends, a new colleague, or a potential date. A good fragrance will set the foundation for a good first impression, and it’ll tell the people around you that you put thought into how you present yourself. Whether you want an earthy and masculine cologne, a fresh and clean scent for summer, or any variation in between, there is the perfect perfume out there for you.
There are so many, in fact, that choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. If you’re tempted just to throw on some deodorant or an old cologne that you don’t actually like and call it a day, don’t despair – there is a fantastic scent out there just for you, and we’ve compiled this list of the best perfumes for men in the world.
Coming in at number one on our list is Blu Atlas Atlantis. If you’re looking to make an entrance and break the conventions of men’s fragrance, Atlantis is the perfume for you. Combining notes of bergamot, clary sage, and patchouli, this compelling fragrance offers a delightful combination of both citrus and woody tones, resulting in an earthy and aromatic scent bound to bring out the adventurer in any man.
Not only will Atlantis give you an introduction like no other, you can also rest easy in the knowledge that it is made only with the good stuff: hand-picked, all-natural ingredients which make for an eco-friendly and vegan perfume, free of sulphates, parabens, and phthalates.
Much longer lasting than many natural fragrances, Atlantis is a scent that will keep you fresh and at the top of your game through any day, truly deserving of its place at number one on our list of the best men’s perfumes in the world.
2. Tobacco Oud by Tom Ford
Are you looking for a mature, rich scent – something to accentuate and embody your sophisticated side? Allow us to introduce you to Tobacco Oud, by Tom Ford. This is a mesmerizing and addictive fragrance, inspired by Arabian “dokha” tobacco – a heady blend of herbs, flowers, and spice-laden tobacco. Described as evoking “Arabic passions”, this perfume is sure to transport you and those around you to the hazy, aromatic atmosphere of a far-away Arabian night.
Mixing key notes of oud wood resin and aromatic smoking tobacco with the aromas of cedar, patchouli, sandalwood, and roasted tonka bean, this fragrance truly is a thing of exotic beauty. Whether you’re going for understated grace, or are aiming for a mature and seductive scent that will turn heads as soon as you enter a room, Tobacco Oud is the perfect perfume for the discerning gentleman who wants to indulge in a little spice.
3. Sauvage Parfum by Dior
Sauvage Parfum is a bright, exuberant scent that bursts across the senses like the bloom of a flower. The highlight of the Sauvage range by Dior, this perfume takes its inspiration from vast, open spaces of wilderness, from a twilight sky over a desert landscape, and from the heady aromas of a crackling fire. It is a wild fragrance for those who are wild at heart, and embraces the beauty of the great outdoors.
Sauvage Parfum will come alive on your skin in fresh notes of reggio bergamot and pepper, giving way gradually to warmer oriental tones of ambroxan, citrus, and vanilla. It is a crisp and intoxicating scent, perfect throughout the year and at any occasion or location. Embrace the wanderer within you with this enticing, magical fragrance that will have you dreaming of great open plains and star-spangled night skies.
4. Polo Black by Ralph Lauren
For something a little more restrained, yet still brimming with sophistication and class, look no further than Ralph Lauren’s Polo Black. A certified classic, this fragrance offers a refreshing, lightly tropical aroma that is at once understated, and fierce. Designed with the reserved yet sensual urban gentleman in mind, Polo Black blends notes of iced mango and spanish sage with effervescent green accord, silver armoise, patchouli noir, and nutmeg-infused espresso.
The result is a heady and seductive fragrance with woody undertones, sure to allure and entice. While it can be worn at any time or place, it is recommended by Ralph Lauren to be reserved for those special occasions where good impressions are a must. Whether for an intimate date or an important formal gathering, this elegant perfume is a must-have in the collection of any gentleman about town.
5. Acqua Di Gio by Armani Beauty
Presenting to you: Acqua Di Gio by Armani Beauty. This cologne first burst across the fragrance scene in 1996, and has since become an icon. A tried and true choice for coming up thirty years, Acqua Di Gio is a classic, sexy, clean perfume that promises to refresh and invigorate – and certainly delivers. Inspired by a vacation to the small coastal town of Pantelleria in Italy, this fragrance will transport you on a sensory journey to the majestic Mediterranean, with its crystal clear waters, hot sand, and bright summer days.
Acqua Di Gio captures this feeling perfectly through its combination of intoxicating aromas; tangy citrus notes of mandarin, tangerine, and orange blend with rosemary, jasmine, and violet, which then smooth into earthier tones of cedar, oakmoss, and white musk. This is a long-lasting perfume, perfect for use leading up to and all throughout the warmer months of the year. Awaken your senses in anticipation of spring and summer with this fresh and timeless fragrance.
6. Bleu de Chanel
Next on our list of the best perfumes for men, is Bleu de Chanel, by Chanel. Described as anti-conformist and a tribute to masculine freedom, this is a fragrance perfect for the gentleman looking to make a statement and break the mold. It brings to the table a fresh and clean scent grounded in aromatic woody tones that positively exudes class, authority, and elegance. Perfectly blending elements of citrus, pepper, ginger, sandalwood, and incense, this bold cologne is an absolute delight to the senses.
A powerful and unapologetically masculine fragrance, Bleu de Chanel can be used whenever you desire – but flourishes most when worn on special occasions. Spritz on a touch of this commanding scent before your next intimate date, or important job interview and allow it to work its magic for you.
7. Ambre Nuit by Christian Dior
This perfume is a study in contrasts; Ambre Nuit by Christian Dior is elusive yet powerful, forthright yet secretive, seductive yet shy. It will engulf your senses in a wave of oriental fragrance that artfully combines the aromas of bergamot, grapefruit, and damask rose with pink pepper, cedar, and ambergris from New Zealand. Smooth and sensual velvety notes glide across your senses, vivified by ambery floral tones and accents of soft spice.
If you’re looking for a perfume that will turn noses – and heads – your way and make those around you do a double take, then Ambre Nuit by Christian Dior could be the scent for you. Embrace the mysterious with a twinkle in your eye and a secretive smile, and be sure to make an entrance with this fragrance dancing upon your skin.
8. The Voice of the Snake by Gucci
Transport yourself back through time when you wear this magical fragrance, to an almost mythical setting of amazing sunsets, twilight skies, and a cosy apothecary filled with curious jars and mesmerizing scents. From Gucci’s The Alchemist’s Garden line, The Voice of the Snake is a truly wondrous perfume that takes the art of perfume back to its very roots. Inspired by the ancient practises of alchemy and fragrance making, The Voice of the Snake truly belongs on the wooden shelves of an antique apothecary, and evokes this very image with its enchanting and intensely unique fragrance.
Combining deep and earthy scents with accents of spice and essences of exotic plants and flowers, this perfume displays a captivating woody aroma that perfectly captures the mysterious nature of the snake. Accentuate its already alluring scent by layering with perfumed oils from the same line and allow yourself to truly embrace the alchemist within.
9. Eros by Versace
Another delectable fragrance that takes its inspiration from the ancient world is Eros by Versace. With Eros the god of love in Greek mythology, this perfume embodies passion and desire, bringing forth a scent that is as addictive as it is sensual, irresistible, and undeniably masculine.
Experience the freshness of love with this fragrance as it hits your senses with a crisp blast of mint, green apple, and lemon. As you settle into the aroma it will embrace you with richer, smoother tones of tonka bean, geranium, Madagascan vanilla, and virginian cedar, evoking those deeper feelings of desire and passion.
You cannot go wrong with such a sublime blend of fresh and heady aromas, tailored to perfection to caress your senses. Channel the Greek god of love himself with this captivating fragrance, and make yourself absolutely irresistible.
10. Le Male Eau De Toilette by Jean Paul Gaultier
Already well known as “the man in the can” for its unique packaging, Le Male Eau De Toilette by Jean Paul Gaultier is a powerhouse of a fragrance that fires on all cylinders at all times, takes no prisoners, and makes no apologies for its bold and intoxicating presence. This perfume brings to the table all the best of men’s fragrances: it’s sophisticated, it’s heady and sensual, it’s direct while also being complex and unpredictable. It’s chaos refined and captured in a bottle.
Le Male is a masterwork in layered scents, caressing your senses with blends of heady botanicals that shift, overlap and give way to one another over time. The fresh aromas of lavender, mint, orange blossom, and cinnamon gradually fuse with smooth notes of cardamom, bergamot, artemisia, and caraway, which then artfully make way for tantalising hints of vanilla, tonka bean, amber, sandalwood and cedar. For a fragrance that delights and seduces and can’t be ignored, look no further than the man in the can.
11. Aventus by Creed
Introducing Aventus, a regal and noble fragrance from renowned Parisian perfume house Creed. Crafted from the minds of the father and son duo currently at the head of this dynasty, this perfume takes its inspiration from the dramatic life of Emperor Napoleon, who made war, peace, and romance on his own terms. A sophisticated and unpredictable fragrance that celebrates strength, power, and success, Aventus promises to enrich and provoke.
Coming in strong with scents of blackcurrant, bergamot, pineapple, and apple, this perfume packs a deliciously fruity punch. These rich top notes blend beautifully with the gentler aromas of birch, moroccan jasmine, rose, oak moss, and vanilla, to create a well-rounded and proud fragrance, truly befitting of royalty. If you’re looking to embrace the leader within you, and live life on your own terms, Creed’s Aventus may be the perfect fragrance for you.
12. Black Tie by Celine
Black Tie by Celine is a study in understated elegance, a fragrance blended to perfection just like the couturier who tailors an evening suit. Inspired by the fashion world’s obsession with the black-suit-clad silhouette, this perfume is fashioned like a well-cut dinner jacket, crisp as lacquered satin. A scent that doesn’t need to be flashy and gaudy to be the best-dressed in the room, Black Tie fuses delightful aromas of vanilla, cedar, tree moss, white orris butter, and musk into a refreshingly clean blend.
Like the black tie itself, this fragrance holds no gender. Tip-toeing the lines between masculinity and femininity, this is an aroma that can be enjoyed by anyone, on anyone. It revels in its own androgynous grace, turning heads and stealing hearts with alluring simplicity. When it comes to versatility and refreshing gender ambiguity, nothing beats a Black Tie.
13. Pour Homme by Bottega Veneta
In contrast, we present to you: Pour Homme Parfum, a cologne that is quite literally for men. This fiercely masculine fragrance is Bottega Veneta’s first foray into men’s perfumes, and what an entrance they have made. Inspired by the visage of the adventurer who dares to step out of the ordinary hum-drum of everyday urban life, this cologne takes the world by the handlebars and promises to awaken the traveler within you.
Even the scents blended into this fragrance evoke images of untamed wilderness just begging to be explored; crisp siberian pine, juniper, and calabrian bergamot mix flawlessly with notes of canadian fir, clary sage, pimento, and leather. Step out of the monotone of daily life and remind your senses what adventure feels like with the captivating and intoxicating mix of aromas that is Pour Homme Parfum.
14. Artisan by John Varvatos
This fragrance says it all in its name: an artisanal perfume in an artisanal bottle for the artisanal man, Artisan by John Varvatos embodies the concept of craftsmanship. Presented in a gorgeous and intricately hand-woven flask, this cologne is made specially for the man who values his individual style.
The aroma itself is unique and abstract, charming the senses with an explosion of citrus and herbal infusions, carried and grounded by a foundation of woody notes perfectly woven into the mix. Scents of clementine, thyme, orange blossom, lavender, and musk interweave to create a fragrance that is sure to captivate and enchant.
Artisan is a perfume designed to intrigue and entice, tailored to enhance your personal brand of individuality. Whether you’re a businessman looking to ground yourself in an authentic and handcrafted aroma, an artist seeking to express your creativity through scent, or any blend of unique and extraordinary human in between, this fragrance is sure to fit you like a hand-woven glove.
15. Salt by Ellis Brooklyn
Many of us have blissful memories of long hot summer days, grass beneath our feet or sand between our toes, and the salty crash of ocean waves against sun-kissed skin. Take that nostalgic feeling, strip it down to its core and turn it into scent, and you have Salt by Ellis Brooklyn. Winner of the Allure Best of Beauty award, this perfume so perfectly conjures the sensation of summer haze that a single whiff will have you transported to the seaside.
Salt is a bright, creamy, tropical fragrance, featuring notes of ylang ylang, Tahitian tiare, magnolia dianica, musk, ambergris and sandalwood. A combination of aromas that seems to invite warmth, it is made to be worn at any time of year. To top it all off, this fragrance is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, so if you’re heading to the beach (or dreaming of it!) Salt by Ellis Brooklyn is sure to make for the perfect companion.
16. Replica Jazz Club by Maison Margiela
From a line of fragrances that replicate iconic spots, Replica Jazz Club by Maison Margiela is expertly designed to transport you through scent to the relaxing atmosphere of a luxurious lounge, filled with soft jazz, cigar smoke, and the smell of mellow rum. This cologne combines strong woody spices, hints of pink pepper, lemon, tobacco leaf, vanilla and rum into a smooth cocktail of delectable aromas so recognisable you can almost hear the jazz in the background.
Inspired by old bar stools, fine-aged liquor, and cracked cigar boxes, Replica Jazz Club expresses its namesake all the way down to the typewriter font on cotton label pasted proudly to the front of the bottle. If you’re looking to wear a scent as bold and exquisite as it is refined then be sure to try Replica Jazz Club, as elegant and timeless as the music it embodies.
17. Everyone by Calvin Klein
With the launch of this fragrance in 2020, Calvin Klein has opened a new chapter in the history of their cult classic unisex fragrance CK One from 1994. CK Everyone is a true evolution of its predecessor, embracing and celebrating the spirit of today’s generation and representing freedom of expression, inclusivity, and participation in multiple communities. It is a genderless fragrance, designed with one goal in mind: to empower you to be exactly who you want to be.
When it comes to scent, CK Everyone certainly stands on the shoulders of giants. Drawing on the legacy of the legendary CK One, this perfume packs an earthy, citrusy punch, blending crisp notes of orange essential oil, ginger, and cedarwood with blue tea accord, patchouli, and amber. As the perfect fragrance for the modern person desiring to express themselves through scent, where the world is your stage, why not make CK Everyone your foundation?
18. Luna Rossa Sport by Prada
No list of best men’s perfumes would be complete without mention of sport colognes, and Prada’s Luna Rossa Sport certainly stands out as one of the best of its kind. A sport cologne is a low concentration fragrance that comes on strong and fades faster than traditional colognes, ideal for when you need something quick and bold for a trip to the gym or a few laps around the track.
To confine Luna Rossa Sport to exercise sessions, though, would be a great injustice. This empowering and confidence-boosting fragrance makes the perfect companion to a night on the town or an evening at the bar, or even as a quick spritz to kickstart your day. It comes out swinging, with a powerful spicy-yet-sweet aroma composed of vanilla, lavender, juniper berries, and ginger notes. Just as suitable in winter as in summer, Luna Rossa Sport is a must-have for any active gentleman.
19. H24 by Hermès
H24 by Hermès is a clean, no-frills fragrance. It doesn’t take inspiration from locations or fantasies like many perfumes do, nor does it attempt to transform you into something you aren’t. Instead, H24 offers something far more abstract, and perhaps even more important: the promise of the lasting power of excellence.
This perfume is an expression of the contemporary man as seen by Hermès, an expression of you as its wearer. It conforms to your presence as intimately as it clings to your skin, breaking the mold of traditional scents in its exquisite simplicity.
Just as no two people are the same, nor can just a few words be used to describe the fragrance of H24. Warm, rich, and masculine work just as aptly as lively, sensual, and bright. Combining primary notes of enveloping sage, electrifying narcissus, invigorating rosewood, and metallic sclarene, this is a perfume that will last through the ages, and quickly become a staple in your collection.
20. Nautica Voyage
Set sail on the high seas, feel the wind in your hair and the salt on your lips with Nautica Voyage, by Nautica. This perfume will take you by the hand on a journey across the ocean, or to a long hot summer’s day on the beach, with a bright, forward fragrance that will conjure up a sea breeze no matter where you are. Enjoy fresh cold notes of green leaves and apple, which give way to dewy mimose, watery tones of lotus, and a linen accord that evokes the image of the sail of a yacht.
Laid on a woody foundation of cedar, moss, musk, and amber, Nautica Voyage carries with it the romantic scents of coastal herbs and woods, awakening man’s instinct to test himself against wild mother nature. Perfect to be worn year-round, this lively and invigorating scent is made for sailors, surfers, and all lovers of the ocean. If you can’t make it to the waves every day of the year, this might just be the next best thing!
21. Y Eau De Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent
Y Eau De Parfum is the newest member in the established and successful line of Y fragrances by Yves Saint Laurent. Designed and constructed to be a seductive perfume interpretation of YSL’s iconic white t-shirt and black jacket, Y Eau De Parfum brings to the table a delightfully aromatic, spicy, woody fragrance.
With top notes of bergamot, ginger, and apple, heart notes of sage, geranium, and juniper berries, all built on a base of vetiver, cedar, tonka, amber wood, and olibanum, this perfume creates a heady mix that is the perfect combination of fresh and masculine.
If you’re looking for a scent that draws from a line of classic excellence but brings along a modern twist, Y Eau De Parfum may just have your name on it. Step into every day with confidence when you wear this clean, empowering fragrance.
22. Silver Birch by Jo Malone
This fragrance by Jo Malone captures and bottles the feeling of a fresh dewy morning in a rambling garden framed by birch trees, or a crisp spring evening with the cool breeze carrying in its arms the scent of English lavender. It’s a woody, aromatic fragrance that strategically blends aromas of lavender, leather, and smoke, refreshed by a drop of grapefruit and grounded by the charismatic scent of silver birch.
This crisp fragrance will have you floating serenely above the trials of daily life, bringing the peaceful quiet of dawn and dusk with you wherever you go. Suitable for both men and women, easily worn at any time of year during the day or the night, Silver Birch & Lavender Cologne is a versatile, compelling fragrance that is sure to leave a lasting and pleasant impact on anyone who passes by.
23. Hypnotizing Fire by The Harmonist
A cologne as heady and bewitching as its name, Hypnotizing Fire by The Harmonist is a dancing flame of sensual aromas, ready to seduce and mesmerize both its wearer and those around them.
Like a gentle candle flame, the gentleman – or gentlewoman – who nurtures this fragrance will find themselves glowing with the soft, luxurious heat of its contrasting and complementary scents. Notes of Jamaican pimento berries and Bulgarian rose blend with Indonesian patchouli and Madagascan vanilla, topped off with the resinous violet of opoponax to create a delicious fragrance, both spicy and warm.
Step into a world of hypnotic flame and allow yourself to be entranced when you wear this intoxicating perfume from The Harmonist, just as perfect an addition to your day-to-day as it is for an intimate date, a formal gathering, or a night on the town.
24. Cool Water by Davidoff
To finish off our list of the best perfumes for men in the world, we present to you Davidoff’s Cool Water. Created in 1988, this perfume is a tried and true classic, loved and trusted by men all over the globe for over 30 years. It’s a fresh, aquatic fragrance that will have you feeling rejuvenated whether you wear it for a night on the town, a day in the office, a trip to the beach, or any occasion in between.
Inspired by the crisp, refreshing scents of the deepest blue ocean, Cool Water brilliantly blends notes of sea water, lavender, mint, and rosemary, with sandalwood, fresh herbs, oakmoss, cedar, and amber.
Not only does this fragrance evoke the image of diving into a pool of chill, fresh water, it also feels exactly like that. This fragrance contains cooling ingredients that will soothe and calm the skin, making it ideal for application after a fresh shave. Treat your skin to the pleasures of a summer dip with Davidoff’s iconic Cool Water.