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The 6 best colognes for men in spring 2025, tested by grooming experts

You'll also learn everything you need to know to find the fragrance that suits your unique style.

REVIEWED by Lukas Feldmann

7 minutes spent reading

TO THE PRODUCT

Some men wear the same perfume for years, others change their scent as often as their underwear - no matter which camp you fall into, it's important to understand perfume, but often it feels like you have to learn a foreign language. If you find yourself in this situation, we've put together this guide to help you. More importantly, after years of testing, we've put together the best perfumes on the market.

Best colognes for men

What needs to be considered?

Perfume family

Dior Sauvage Elixir

Best overall Cologne

Read more↓

Fucking Fabulous Perfume Tom Ford

Best for the boardroom

Read more↓

Aventus Creed

Best Cologne for the day

Read more↓

Important notes

Whether top, heart or base notes, fragrance notes are much more specific than fragrance families and often refer to individual fragrance components or aromas that make up a fragrance. The base notes of a men's fragrance rarely change, but perfumers (they really do exist!) are always updating the classics to create "younger" fragrances (there's that too!) that smell more modern. Of course, there's much more, but some of the key notes you'll find in our favorite perfumes are

Wood notes

Unsurprisingly, woody notes often fall into the woody fragrance family. Scents such as sandalwood, cedarwood and pine are important components of men's fragrances due to their versatility.

Leather

Leather jackets are a timeless style statement. The same applies to perfumes, which have a similar scent.
Fougere

Citrusy, herbaceous, clean - perfumes with a fougère scent are reminiscent of relaxed beach vacations.

Smoke

Smoky notes such as birch tar and tobacco are strong and mysterious without being overpowering.

Size

The eternal question that arises when buying a self-care product is what size to buy. When it comes to cologne, there are a few factors to consider that will determine how big or small you should choose. First, how often do you plan to wear the cologne? If you plan to make it your new daily scent, you should buy a larger bottle so it lasts longer. But if you're just testing a scent or looking for something seasonal, you should opt for a smaller version. Not to mention, perfume can be a bit pricey, especially some of the stronger versions. So keep in mind that buying a larger container can often offset some of the cost.

How we selected.

Over the past two years, we've asked Men's Health's grooming editors and writers about the best fragrances for men. The experts, including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce and our Grooming Commerce Editor Sean Zucker, sampled over 50 men's fragrances and rated their ingredients, application and how good they smelled after a day of use. We also considered the top-rated fragrances that have at least 100 five-star reviews on e-commerce sites we trust. Read on to find out our favorite fragrances.

Best overall Cologne

Dior Sauvage Elixir

249,00 €

An inspiring fragrance at a fair price
MAGIC PERFUME No. 366M

MAGIC PERFUME No. 366M

€11,99
Size
Quantity

Dior Sauvage is a classic in every sense of the word (not to mention being the best-selling men's fragrance in the world). This version, Elixir, is like the older, more mature brother of the original Sauvage. It's highly concentrated and has longer longevity, which is always welcome in a perfume. It also smells spicier thanks to the notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom. It's the spice that gives it a more elegant appeal, while this perfume is still versatile enough to wear both day and night.

Look for good quality and a fair price when replacing→

Best Cologne for the day

Aventus Creed for men

328,99 €

An inspiring fragrance at a fair price
MAGIC PERFUME SUBSTITUTE 288M

MAGIC PERFUME SUBSTITUTE 288M

€11,99
€12,99
Size
Quantity

Creed Aventus is a modern classic among men's fragrances and is known for its unmistakable blend that exudes self-confidence and sophistication. Since its launch in 2010, it has become one of the best-selling fragrances in the world. Aventus opens with vibrant notes of bergamot, blackcurrant, apple and pineapple, creating a fresh and fruity opening. In the heart note, a harmonious blend of rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine and patchouli unfolds, giving the fragrance depth and complexity. In the base note, oakmoss, musk, ambergris and a hint of vanilla provide a warm and long-lasting finish.

Thanks to its versatility, this fragrance is suitable for a variety of occasions and transitions seamlessly from day to night. Thanks to its balanced composition, it can be worn all year round, although some lovers prefer it in the fall or as an evening fragrance in the warmer seasons. Whether you are in a formal setting or enjoying a casual outing, Aventus suits any environment and is therefore a staple in many men's fragrance collections.

Look for good quality and a fair price when replacing→

Best Evening Cologne

Fucking Fabulous perfume Tom Ford for women and men

470,00 €

An inspiring fragrance at a fair price
MAGIC PERFUME No. 232M

MAGIC PERFUME No. 232M

€11,99
Size
Quantity

"Fucking Fabulous" by Tom Ford is a daring and luxurious unisex fragrance that lives up to its provocative name. Launched in 2017, the fragrance has attracted attention for its unique composition and bold character.

The fragrance opens with aromatic notes of lavender and clary sage, offering a fresh and invigorating introduction. As it progresses, the heart note reveals a rich blend of bitter almond, orris root and leather, creating a creamy and slightly powdery nuance. The base note is carried by tonka bean, cashmere and amber, creating a warm and sensual finish that lingers on the skin.

"Fucking Fabulous" is particularly suitable for evening wear and special occasions, where its unmistakable profile comes into its own. Its warm and opulent notes make it particularly appealing in the cooler months, adding a touch of sophistication and seduction to any ensemble.

This fragrance is a highlight for those who appreciate a blend of classic and modern elements in their fragrance repertoire. Its versatility allows for a seamless transition from intimate gatherings to upscale events, ensuring that you leave a lasting impression.

Look for good quality and a fair price when replacing→

Best Cologne for special occasions

1 Million Rabanne for men

173,00 €

An inspiring fragrance at a fair price
MAGIC PERFUME No. 275M

MAGIC PERFUME No. 275M

€11,99
Size
Quantity

1 Million by Paco Rabanne is a bold and captivating fragrance that has held a prominent place in men's perfumery since its launch in 2008. The fragrance opens with invigorating notes of blood mandarin, grapefruit and mint, offering a fresh and slightly sweet introduction. In the heart note, a warm blend of cinnamon, spicy accords and rose unfolds, giving the fragrance depth and complexity. The base note is rich in amber, leather, woody notes and Indian patchouli and offers a robust and long-lasting finish.

The pronounced sillage and longevity of 1 Million make it particularly suitable for evening wear and special occasions. Its warm and spicy profile comes into its own on cooler days. Some may find it too intense for daytime or the office, but when applied sparingly, it can add a touch of sophistication to casual occasions.

This fragrance is particularly popular with younger men who are looking for a scent that exudes confidence and attraction. Its distinctive aroma will make you stand out, making it an essential companion when going out, at parties or in any setting where you want to make a lasting impression.

Look for good quality and a fair price when replacing→

Best Party Cologne

TOM FORD OUD WOOD EDP

277,00 €

An inspiring fragrance at a fair price
MAGIC PERFUME No. 287M

MAGIC PERFUME No. 287M

€11,99
Size
Quantity

The Oud Wood Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford is an excellent fragrance that has been captivating fragrance lovers since 2007. This unisex fragrance blends exotic spices such as cardamom and Chinese pepper and offers a warm and inviting opening. In the heart note, oud wood, sandalwood and vetiver provide an elegant, woody depth. The fragrance ends with notes of tonka bean, amber and vanilla, creating a subtly sweet and smoky balance.

This fragrance is particularly popular with people looking for a scent that exudes confidence and seduction. Its distinctive aroma ensures that you stand out, making it an essential companion for nights out, parties or any other occasion where you want to make a lasting impression.

Look for good quality and a fair price when replacing them.→

Best Universal Cologne

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

79,00 €

An inspiring fragrance at a fair price
MAGIC PERFUME No. 247M

MAGIC PERFUME No. 247M

€11,99
Size
Quantity

Le Male Eau de Toilette by Jean Paul Gaultier is a timeless fragrance that has captivated men since its launch in 1995.

This fragrance was created by renowned perfumer Francis Kurkdjian and masterfully combines traditional masculinity with modern sensuality.

The fragrance opens with invigorating top notes of fresh mint, lavender, cardamom, bergamot and artemisia, offering a refreshing and aromatic introduction. A warm blend of cinnamon, orange blossom and caraway unfolds in the heart note, adding depth and subtle sweetness to the fragrance. The base note is rich in vanilla, tonka bean, amber, sandalwood and cedarwood and provides a creamy and long-lasting finish.

Thanks to its versatility, Le Male can be worn on different occasions and can transition seamlessly from day to night. Thanks to its balanced composition, it can be worn all year round, but shines especially in the cooler months, adding warmth and sophistication to evening events or formal occasions.

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, Le Male suits any environment and is therefore an integral part of many men's fragrance collections.

Look for good quality and a fair price when replacing→

How to apply cologne

Apply cologne to the areas where you can feel your heartbeat. This means on your wrists, the sides of your neck and on your wrists. The throbbing intensifies the effect of the fragrance.

Do not exaggerate

If you constantly smell the fragrance, you have applied too much. People should have to approach you to say, "Gee, you smell good.

Do not let fragrances collide

You don't have to use all variations of a fragrance - cologne, aftershave, body wash, deodorant, etc. One at a time is fine. However, make sure that the other products do not clash with your chosen fragrance.

So that it lasts

Dry skin? Apply the fragrance more frequently. Oily skin keeps the fragrance longer.

Wake up with a midday spritz

Cologne can beat the 3 p.m. slump. A quick spritz in the afternoon is a psychological pick-me-up and leaves you smelling wonderful.

Wear different fragrances for different seasons

Heat intensifies any fragrance, and fragrances are stronger when they are associated with sweat. That's why an aromatic or citrus scent is good in summer and a stronger scent in winter.

How to test Cologne

There is no perfume that is perfect for every person, but there are some best practices you should follow when testing a new fragrance to find the right one for you. First of all, don't bombard your skin with too many fragrances. When buying a perfume, you should never apply more than three to your skin, as it's harder to judge each individual scent," explains fragrance developer Ann Gottlieb

Meet the experts

Lukas Feldmann

Garrett Munce writes about men's style and grooming. He has written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte and Very Good Light and has been a contributor to GQ and W.

Sebastian von Richter

EDITOR FOR CARE AND TRADE

Sean Zuoker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at M/en's Hea/th. He has more than half a decade of experience in health, wellness and lifestyle. When Sean isn't writing about hair products, you can find him jogging or on his way to the nearest food truck.