The Best Men’s Colognes for Every Kind of Guy, Reviewed by Glamour 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.

• 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?

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

What we love: This newly released scent is my current obsession; it’s juicy 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.

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

• 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.

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

• Notes: Ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage
• Sizes: 1 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.”

• 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.

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

What we love: Few fragrances are as iconic as CK One, a unisex scent that’s been a bestseller since it was first launched 30 years ago. If it’s been a minute since you’ve owned a bottle, don’t worry—it’s just as clean and alluring today as it was back in high school. And it’s still a great alternative to the heavier, more serious men’s colognes out there; this one isn’t afraid to be a little more airy.

• Notes: Green tea, bergamot, rose, violet, musk, amber, cardamom
• Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.3 oz., 6.7 oz., 10 oz.

What we love: What more needs to be said about Sauvage? So popular that it’s available in a whopping 10-oz. refill, Dior’s trademark spicy, woody scent smells, to my nose, like the most perfect distillation of masculinity. Use it as an everyday scent or as an instrument of nighttime seduction. There are no wrong answers.

• Notes: Bergamot, vanilla, nutmeg
• Sizes: 1 oz., 2 oz., 3.4 oz., 6.8 oz, 10 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; this guy collects records and has opinions on art. I can’t get enough.

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

What we love: Why try to beat the classics? Ralph Lauren’s Polo Red is just as bold as that ruby bottle suggests, with a spicy, aromatic mix of citrus, saffron, and redwood. You’ll get the same impact as Dior, Prada, or Montblanc, but at a slightly lower price—win-win.

• Notes: Grapefruit, lavender, saffron, lemon, sage, redwood
• Sizes: 2.5 oz., 4.2 oz., 6.7 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 almost floral, but still masculine thanks to the woody, spicy kick of black pepper. 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. Plus, the travel-friendly size fits nearly anywhere.

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

What we love: After years of flying under the radar, Margiela’s Replica fragrances are gaining more popularity on social media—and for good reason. Each one aims to evoke a specific space, and By the Fireplace (fittingly) smells exactly like curling up next to a roaring fire, complete with smoky pangs of clove, chestnut, and vanilla. It’s the next best thing to actually spending the night in a snowed-in cabin. Break it out on chilly days that could use some extra warmth.

• Notes: Pink pepper, clove oil, chestnut, orange flower, vanilla
• Sizes: 1 oz., 3.4 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.

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

What we love: “This is the best smell ever to me,” says Kat Thomas, Glamour’s associate fashion editor. 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.”

• Notes: Bergamot, ginger, pineapple, sage, juniper berry, amber, cedarwood
• Sizes: 1.7 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.

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

What we love: In the realm of designer fragrances, Tom Ford occupies perhaps the sexiest perch. (Sorry, Creed and Burberry.) While there are plenty of scents to choose from, the brand’s beloved Ombré Leather is a great entryway into its sultry world; notes of leather and jasmine dance around each other for a fragrance that’s bold, sensual, and ready for all-night dancing. It smells like spending money with abandon—what’s sexier than that?

• Notes: Black leather, patchouli, violet flower, vetiver, jasmine flower, amber, moss
• Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

What we love: True to its name, Spicebomb is an explosion of sexy, masculine notes like cinnamon, black pepper, saffron, and tobacco. Trust me: This is not for a man who likes to blend in. This is, however, a perfect pick for go-getters and iconoclasts who want to stand out. Once you’ve drawn someone in, it’ll reveal its softer side: a sweet, sultry base of amber and vanilla.

• Notes: Grapefruit, pimento berries, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, saffron, tobacco, amber, black vanilla
• Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

What we love: D.S. & Durga’s Steamed Rainbow takes a gimmick premise—one note for each letter of ROYGBIV—and turns it into something magical, a fresh scent with the distinct aroma of water vapor. I can only describe this scent as wet, but in the best way possible: sparkling and slinky like a babbling brook. The holographic label and magnetic cap make the entire experience even better.

• Notes: Mandarin, orange, elemi resin, green cedar, indigo grass, violet, vetiver
• Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

What we love: The internet-famous Baccarat Rouge 540 is widely accepted as the ultimate quiet-luxury scent. Floral and spicy, it’s completely unisex and shockingly expensive, but if you’re one to invest in your fragrances, you can’t do much better than this unique, sought-after bottle.

• Notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris
• Sizes: 2.4 oz., 6.8 oz.

What we love: Paco Rabanne’s Invictus is bottled in a trophy—and the winning vibes don’t stop there. It’s fresh and woody, with an alluring note of dried-down sweat, making you smell like a world-class athlete at the top of his game. And marine notes are also hidden in the mix, suggesting, perhaps, a much-needed beachside vacation.

• Notes: Grapefruit, guaiac wood, patchouli
• Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 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.

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

What we love: Molton Brown’s underrated fragrances aren’t being worn by every other guy on the street, meaning they’ll help you stand out from the crowd. Perhaps the most unique is Fiery Pink Pepper, which the brand describes as “energetic and eccentric” with an adventurous mix of pepper, ginger, and cedar. I love the spicy, summery allure of this scent. It’s clean but not sanded down. Just note that it can lean slightly more feminine than other options, which shouldn’t be an issue if you’re assured of your masculinity.

• Notes: Pink pepper, ginger, jasmine, patchouli, cedarwood, oakmoss
• Sizes: 3.4 oz.

What we love: While Boy Smells is best known for its Insta-famous candles, its genderless scents are also well worth your time—and this warm, welcoming pick is the most traditionally masculine. Unlike heavier options in the woody family, this one is light on its feet; notes of coconut and fig balance out richer cedar and sandalwood. It leans clean and just a touch tropical. I’d recommend it on a clear summer or fall day.

• Notes: Coconut water, fig leaves, sandalwood, cedar
• Sizes: 2.2 oz.

What we love: This unisex cologne spray is the perfect scent for anyone with a mischievous side, according to Glamour junior designer Channing Smith. “Byredo’s Pulp fragrance is a divisive one,” she says. “The strong scent is moody, with warm, fruity notes that evoke a boozy, tangy mood. The notes of cedarwood and cardamom offer a more masculine base, which is complimented by the sweetness of fig and red apple.”

• Notes: Bergamot, blackcurrant, cardamom, fig, red apple, cedarwood, peach flower
• Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

What we love: If you’ve ever wanted to smell like the world’s finest suede—perhaps even like a Ferragamo bag—you’re in luck: Bright Leather is your ticket. A favorite of Glamour art director Alexandra Folino, this scent expertly combines bright citrus with earthier notes of cedarwood and musk, a perfect balance of heavy and light.

• Notes: Bergamot, mandarin, basil, rosemary, leather accord, cedarwood, patchouli, musk
• 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.

• Notes: Tonka bean, cedar, jasmine, juniper berries, smoke, powder, wood
• Sizes: 2.5 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.

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

What we love: YSL’s bestseller is straightforward but not boring, meaning it’s great for gifting and guys who are just getting into fragrances. “L’Homme is the only scent I wear. My other iterations in this family of fragrances are also incredible, but the original is timeless,” says Ryan Gordon, senior director of merchandising at Amiri. And Anastasia Sanger, Glamour’s senior manager of social creative development, says her boyfriend has used L’Homme (and she’s approved of it) as long as they’ve known each other.

• Notes: Bergamot, ginger, cedarwood, vetiver
• Sizes: 3.3 oz.

What we love: It’s hard to describe Ganymede, a love-it-or-hate-it pick from French perfumier Marc-Antoine Barrois. Reviewers have thrown around “mineral,” “animalic,” and “otherworldly” to capture its windswept, leathery essence. “With its captivating blend of elegance and masculinity, this fragrance is the ultimate gift for the discerning gentleman, embodying sophistication and charm in every note,” says Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay. (In other words, it smells damn good.)

• Notes: Mandarin, osmanthus, leather akigalawood
• Sizes: 3.3 oz.

What we love: Tired of musky, serious men’s fragrances? Embrace the lighter side of things with this floral elixir from Henry Rose, Michelle Pfeiffer’s fragrance brand. I wouldn’t describe this scent as stereotypically masculine, but it’s not entirely feminine either; the bergamot and orange flower really do smell like Earl Grey tea. I wish it lasted a little longer, though.

• Notes: Neroli, grapefruit, bergamot, moss, orange flower
• Sizes: 0.27 oz., 1.7 oz.

What we love: This refined, woody fragrance is an ode to patchouli. While Glamour creative development manager Amalie MacGowan describes it as “more on the androgynous side,” it’s great for men who like to smell fresh. “It’s patchouli, but not in the way that usually makes you eye-roll, you know? It’s really rich and sexy.”

• Notes: Patchouli, maté, clary sage, violet
• Sizes: 2.5 oz.

What we love: Elorea’s Earth goes heavy on the sandalwood, meaning it’s a spiritual cousin of Le Labo’s super-popular Santal 33. But with woody, spicy notes of cardamom, ginger, and vanilla, plus an undercurrent of floral iris, it’s anything but one-note. This is one of the stronger scents in my collection, so I prefer it for events and long days when I want to make sure my fragrance lasts.

• Notes: Cardamom, ginger, cypress, iris, violet, leather, sandalwood, vanilla
• Sizes: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.