The Best Cologne for Men, Reviewed by Fragrance-Obsessed Editors

What we love: This signature fragrance from YSL is masculine through and through but with a thoughtful edge that keeps it from becoming one-note. (Fittingly, its ambassador is Lenny Kravitz.) This is the boldest and most sultry scent in my collection, and probably the most long-lasting. The citrus and apple notes draw you in, then the vetiver and tonka bean keep you around for more. Use it to seduce someone.

Family: Fresh
Notes: Citrus, sage, geranium, vetiver, apple, tonka bean
Sizes: 2 oz., 3.3 oz., 6.7 oz.

What we love: Cheap cologne gets a bad rap—sorry, Drakkar Noir—but Nautica’s coastal option proves that drugstore options can hold their own. It’s earned a cult following for its subtle, fresh, long-lasting scent that smells way more expensive than $20. Instead of smelling artificial or cloying, the blend of green apple, cedar, and florals evokes crisp, cool water. It’s clean and uncomplicated—a perfect option for any guy who doesn’t want to think twice about what he’s spraying on as he walks out the door. (Plus, it’s a fraction of the price of Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue.) Why not give it a shot?

Family: Fresh
Notes: Green apple, mimosa, cedarwood, water lotus, musk
Sizes: 3.3 oz., 6.7 oz.

What we love: Our in-office testers were unanimously wowed by Mugler’s new fragrance, which is a rare masculine gourmand. A unique blend of woody bergamot and sweet chocolate smells so much more expensive than the price point suggests, and it’s ridiculously alluring after it dries down on the skin. Figuring out how to use the bottle is a little annoying—place your finger near the front edge of the bottle, FYI—but it offers a nice, even spray when you get it right. You could wear it anywhere, but it’ll shine as a nighttime fragrance.

Family: Woody
Notes: Bergamot, pink pepper, chocolate, clary sage, patchouli
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

What we love: “This is the best smell ever to me,” says Kat Thomas, a Glamour contributor. While it’s technically a dupe of YSL’s Y, one of our favorite designer fragrances for men, this one has a slightly different thing going on—and Thomas prefers it to the original: “It’s a sexy scent, but also soft and comfy and warm. My boyfriend wears it, and so do I.”

Family: Fresh
Notes: Bergamot, ginger, pineapple, sage, juniper berry, amber, cedarwood
Sizes: 1.7 oz.

What we love: This newly released scent is my current obsession; it’s juicy, fruity, and alive, but still sophisticated. For a luxury fragrance, it’s priced fairly, especially considering that each spritz lasts forever and has an impressive throw. I once used it as makeshift deodorant, and it really came through for the rest of the night. (Don’t judge.) I could still smell it (in a good way) after a shower. If you’re in the market for something green and fresh, you can’t do much better.

Family: Fresh
Notes: Fresh herbs, pear granita
Sizes: 2 oz., 3.3 oz., 6.7 oz.

What we love: An updated, concentrated version of the original CK One, this scent goes heavy on the bergamot and mountainous woody notes. I’ll be the first to admit that it skews a little young; it’s one of my favorite colognes for teenage guys. But there’s nothing wrong with a fresh, clean starter scent, especially one as potent (yet hard to overspray) as this. And at under $75, the price is right.

Family: Fresh
Notes: Bergamot, black pepper, mint, geranium, musk, moss, sandalwood
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

What we love: Why try to beat the classics? Ralph Lauren’s Polo Red (the Glamour staff’s universal favorite among the brand’s men-focused fragrances) is just as bold as that ruby bottle suggests, with a spicy, aromatic mix of citrus, saffron, and redwood. And despite somewhat generic top notes, I find it fades into something more intriguing as the hours go on, mixing bright citrus with smoldering spice. Any man would be happy to own a bottle.

Family: Amber
Notes: Grapefruit, lavender, saffron, lemon, sage, redwood
Sizes: 2.5 oz., 4.2 oz., 6.7 oz.

What we love: Despite the grenade-shaped packaging, Spicebomb is a sophisticated (even delicate) scent. It opens with a punch of black pepper and purple florals, then fades into a nicely balanced blend of citrus and leather that wouldn’t be out of place in a bar or boardroom. I find it energizing and inviting—a great candidate for an everyday, all-occasion scent. What’s most special might just be the confidence; it doesn’t require strong marine notes or a huge hit of sandalwood to read as masculine or leave a lasting impression. No, it’s doing its own thing—good on you, Viktor&Rolf.

Family: Woody
Notes: Bergamot, grapefruit, pink pepper, cinnamon, chili pepper, saffron, leather, vetiver, tobacco
Sizes: 3 oz., 5 oz.

What we love: Go a rich, sensual route in Gucci Guilty. The masculine scent finds unique beauty in the clean, unexpected combination of rose, chili pepper, and cedar. The result is a musky, aromatic experience that’s undeniably alluring and decidedly different from its aquatic competitors—perfect for making an impression during date night or at a late-night party.

Family: Woody
Notes: Fresh rose, chili pepper, cedarwood, lavender, orange blossom, patchouli
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

What we love: Looking for something light and energetic? Versace’s masculine fragrance combines soaring notes of lemon and mint with base notes of cedar, sandalwood, and patchouli, resulting in a coastal, alluring scent that lives up to the brand’s sexy image. I also love the blue bottle, which is flashier (and, dare I say, cooler) than the typically reserved packaging for men. It’s not the most complex fragrance I’ve smelled, but we’re not here to reinvent the wheel—we’re here to smell like the Greek god of lust.

Family: Fresh
Notes: Lemon, mandarin, mint oil, geranium, sage, amber, cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla
Sizes: 3.4 oz., 6.7 oz.

What we love: Another of Replica’s most popular scents, Jazz Club mixes notes of rum, tobacco, pink pepper, and vanilla like an expertly balanced cocktail. This is the nicest jazz club you’ve been to; every suit is spotless, every note clear, every drink expensive. Plus, I can assure you that this fragrance lasts forever.

Family: Amber
Notes: Pink pepper, lemon, neroli, rum absolute, clary sage, vetiver, tobacco leaf, vanilla, styrax resin
Sizes: 1 oz., 3.4 oz.

What we love: A go-to for royals like Kate Middleton, London-based perfumer Jo Malone makes some of the freshest scents on the market. And the best option for men is Wood Sage & Sea Salt, a coastal pick that evokes a breezy day by the water. Woody and a little chilly, it’s a toned-down aquatic: Think clean hair, light sweaters, and expensive floral arrangements.

Family: Fresh
Notes: Ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage
Sizes: 1 oz, 1.7 oz. 3.4 oz.

What we love: I’ve long been transfixed by Comme des Garçons’ fragrance line, which features distinctive metal packaging and unusual notes. (One, for example, is named Concrete.) But I had never actually smelled any of its scents until a recent trip to Paris, when I fell in love with Blackpepper. Masculine hallmarks like musk and leather are offset by fresh, green vetiver and patchouli—but the real star is the top punch of black pepper. Spicy and seductive, Blackpepper smells like the citygoer I strive to be; the guy who wears this collects records and has opinions on art. I can’t get enough.

Family: Woody
Notes: Black pepper oil, musk, leather, cedarwood, tonka bean, guaiac wood, patchouli, vetiver
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

What we love: Taking inspiration from Paris jazz bars of the ’60s, Diptyque’s most popular unisex fragrance brings a unique freshness to late night. This scent is kaleidoscopic; it’s hard to put a finger on any individual notes, but the overall effect is green and alluring. There’s a hint of smoke and powder, but strong herbaceous notes—the brand says cedar and jasmine—paint a picture of a greenhouse. I’d want to know the person wearing this.

Family: Fresh
Notes: Tonka bean, cedar, jasmine, juniper berries, smoke, powder, wood
Sizes: 2.5 oz.

What we love: There’s nothing else quite like Debaser, one of D.S. & Durga’s most well-known fragrances, on the market. It’s downright tropical, featuring coconut, fig, and tonka bean. But instead of being cloying, hints of smoke, salt, and sweat make this scent seductive and multidimensional. It almost smells like a perfect cocktail. Pull this out to smell like a rich guy on vacation on some island you’ve never heard of.

Family: Fresh
Notes: Bergamot, pear stem, fig, coconut milk, iris, tonka bean, moss
Sizes: 0.34 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.3 oz.

What we love: Is this one maybe a bit overdone? Sure. But it’s also one of the most refined, iconic men’s scents. You can’t walk around New York City without smelling Santal 33 on the wind. It deserves its cultlike following, though, because it’s simply so good. That opening punch of sandalwood is iconic, and the lower notes—cardamom and iris, among others—keep it spicy and layered long after application.

Family: Woody
Notes: Sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, leather accord, musk
Sizes: 0.5 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

What we love: “Truthfully, I was sold on Tacit from the moment the Aesop sales associate told me it was inspired by Wong Kar-wai’s In The Mood for Love, but it’s also easily one of the freshest scents in my collection,” says Architectural Digest commerce editor Audrey Lee. “As a fragrance enthusiast whose collection contains mainly woody scents, I like that Tacit is a shake-up to my usual perfume ritual, with mainly citrus notes that feel really refreshing.”

Family: Fresh
Notes: Yuzu, vetiver, basil, clove, rosemary, mint, fennel, amber, cedarwood
Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.3 oz.

What we love: It’s hard for me to pick a favorite Amouage scent—my most complimented is the woody, spicy Purpose—but I’m absolutely transfixed by this nautical pick. Don’t get caught up in the description of the top notes; what I smell is fresh-squeezed citrus, smoke blowing over water, and sun-baked earth. It makes me wish I’d pursued sailing or archaeology instead of writing, but at least this cologne lets me microdose the life of an explorer. Sure, it’s an investment, but I’d say it’s worth every penny. Each spritz lasts an eternity.

Family: Fresh
Notes: Frankincense, pear, hazelnut, saffron, rose, sambac jasmine, sandalwood, ambergris, vanilla
Sizes: 3.4 oz.

What we love: Billed as Giorgio Armani’s “most personal fragrance,” Bois D’Encens is an elixir meant to evoke a church. Strong suggestions of incense and cedar certainly get the point across, bringing to mind a cold yet inviting cathedral. (No wonder this scent is tied to the brand’s haute couture line—it’s luxurious and singular.) I also got a heavy, lingering hit of ginger and pepper; these notes polarized my colleagues and me, making this a true love-it-or-hate-it fragrance. This is not an entry-level scent; it’s a crowning jewel for an expert’s collection.

Family: Amber
Notes: Vetiver, cedar, incense, pepper
Sizes: 3.4 oz.

What we love: The woody, amber-heavy side of this warm fragrance is balanced out by a hint of florals. The result is cozy, comforting, and perfectly chaste—there’s not a ton of sex appeal, making this a great scent (or gift) for dads and other family members. Noteworthy calls it a fall fragrance, which I agree with, but it had more year-round appeal than they’re letting on. Spray it at sunset any day and you’ll be good to go.

Family: Amber
Notes: Lily of the valley, cedarwood, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, amber, musk
Sizes: 0.3 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.3 oz.

What we love: Troye Sivan’s fragrance brand makes impressively layered perfumes, and this genderless pick is the best of the bunch. One of my friends describes the scent as the world’s freshest summer salad, and I have to agree. Tomato leaf, coriander, and ginger place this one firmly in the warmer half of the year. With one spritz, you might find yourself on vacation—mentally, at least.

Family: Fresh
Notes: Cucumber, lychee, bergamot, tomato leaf, coriander, cassis, ginger, musk
Sizes: 1.7 oz.

What we love: Heavy on the citrusy notes, this perfume oil smells like a forest on the first nice day of spring. It’s delicate and floral, but still masculine thanks to the woody, spicy kick of black pepper and a strong suggestion of patchouli. A few dabs go a long way, so don’t be put off by the size—I’ve barely put a dent in my bottle despite owning it for a year and carrying it everywhere for quick fragrance touch-ups. Plus, the travel-friendly size fits nearly anywhere.

Family: Floral
Notes: Grapefruit, orange, black pepper, cedarwood, patchouli
Sizes: 0.1 oz., 0.5 oz.