Top 30 Best Perfumes for Men | Updated December 2020

When men make a stellar fashion statement, nothing accentuates their outfit better than a Perfume. Gone are the days when accessories were meant only for women. Does it not seem outdated to still have that thought? It does, considering how vibrant the men’s fashion world has evolved over years.

With an increasing preference for beauty and health products among men these days, accessorising themselves with their favourite perfume has become an essential part of their routine for work or any occasion that is called for. Wearing the best perfume that suits you, and elicits your identity as a person and makes your first impression an everlasting memory.

Now, since we are aware how much presentability is important, and how much of a help the best perfume for men is, giving attention to the type of perfume one must choose is primary for their grooming.

This article will help you make the right decision to know what to look for in perfume and how well it suits your preference for fragrances. Below are the key features you might want to look into while purchasing your perfume-.

• Value for Money
• Brand Trust
• Sillage/Performance
• Longevity
• User Reviews

After a detailed analysis, we have come about bringing up the top 30 Best perfume for Men that goes well with your style quotient. Let us start working our olfactory senses.

Best Perfumes for Men | User Reviews & Buying Guide

1. Aventus by Creed Eau De Parfum

Best Overall Perfume

Product Features:

• Aventus from Creed is a carefully curated formula of extremely masculine fragrance fused with fruity, and mossy accents of odour
• Creed has created phenomenal hand-crafted and acclaimed perfume for men since 1760
• Aventus is one of the best selling perfumes from the fragrant lines of Creed. Fruity, rich and oriental, the Creed gentleman’s Aventus is a hitlist in the perfume brands
• One of the supreme luxury fragrance dynasties in the fashion world for a long time, Creed is acclaimed to be perfect for all the daring and spirited men
• The perfume is the perfect choice for men who strive to bring out the A-Game every time. This is our Best Perfume for men in this category. It is also the most expensive perfume in this category.

Key Notes:

• Top notes – Bergamot, Black currant, Pineapple, Apple
• Middle notes – Birch, Patchouli, Rose, Moroccan Jasmine
• Base notes – Musk, oakmoss, Vanilla, Ambergris

2. Acqua Di Giorgio Armani Parfum

Product Features:

• The Giorgio Armani, initially a boutique, was a procured idea of high-end stylistic and youthful needs of the young men at a much reasonable price
• The Acqua Di Giòrgio Armani was from the line The Scent of Life series by Giorgio Armani, strongly positioning the perfume ’s rugged seafarer theme
• Deemed as the best perfume for men, the product is inspired by the fresh sea, warm sun, and richness of earth
• Acqua Di Giòrgio Armani as formulated by their team, the perfume initially is a divine scent of fresh Bergamot, Neroli and Tangerines
• To add little aquatic aesthetics to the fragrance, rosemary, sweet Persimmon, and warm Indonesian Patchouli notes are blended so in fashion and also adds a fresh smelling fragrance
• The Best Fragrance for men overall in this category.

Key Notes:

• Top notes – Lemon, Orange, Bergamot, Jasmine, Mandarin Orange, Neroli
• Middle notes – Rosemary, Rose, Hyacinth, Peach, Sea notes, Cyclamen, Nutmeg, Mignonette
• Base notes – White Musk, oakmoss, Cedar, Patchouli, Amber

3. Sauvage By Christian Dior Eau De Parfum Spray For Men

Product Features:

• The word Sauvage means ‘wild’ or ‘natural’ in French. As the name suggests, the perfume is a conception of wild open spaces, fresh, raw, and noble fragrances
• The creator drew inspiration from unspoiled expanses of wilderness beneath a blue-tinged night sky, as the intense aromas of crackling fire rise into the air, just as explained by the Dior perfumer-creator, François Demachy
• Christian Dior, popularly known as Dior is a classic and versatile brand presenting absolute style quotient perfumes since their inception
• The perfume is a concoction of refreshing Lavender and Bergamot and is perfect for evening wear
• The design of the perfume is amazing with a cap that is magnetized, inside, the perfume holds a rough freshness of Bergamot and the noble scent of amber wood
• Best Long Lasting perfume in this category.

Key Notes:

• Top notes – Rosemary, Caraway, Bergamot, fruity notes
• Middle notes – Lavender, Sichuan Pepper, Star Anise, Nutmeg
• Base notes – Ambroxan, Vanilla, oakmoss, musk

4. Creed Green Irish Tweed

Best Premium Perfume

Product Features:

• The perfume has subtle fragrant notes making the transition to evoke a charismatic aroma, focused for men looking for a masculine and confident assertive scent
• Creed Green Irish Tweed, one of the best men’s perfume of all time comes with a silver trim pocket atomizer, silver funnel, easy to take around
• Formulated with the idea of making this signature aroma of “Walk through the irish countrywide” was one of the best perfume/cologne to attract females
• The perfume/cologne with the blend of wild and delicate flower, Creed put out this product as a nostalgic nineteenth century gentlemen’s country perfume/cologne

Key Notes:

• Top notes – Lemon Verbena, Iris
• Middle notes – Violet leaf
• Base notes – Florentine iris, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Ambergris, coumarin, musk, patchouli

5. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

Product Features:

• The perfume is said to exude a virile and sexy aroma to the user and projects a rugged outdoorsy character within the design
• Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, a fragrance with a mix of modern trail and woody aroma
• The perfume/cologne is known for the sensual touch it adds to the user and to make a lasting impression
• The Most Impressionable perfume in this category.

Key Notes:

• Top notes – Mint, Artemisia, Cardamom, Bergamot, Lavender
• Middle notes – Cinnamon, Orange Blossom, Caraway
• Base notes – Sandalwood, Cedar, Vanilla, Amber, Tonka bean

6. Gucci Pour Homme by Gucci

Product Features:

• Gucci Pour homme is a mild floral – tobacco fragrance that spruces up masculinity yet with elegance
• Gucci Pour Homme is a perfume that is virile yet subtle
• The floral opening is scattered with the tobacco and leather in the heart and base note making it smell unique
• This soon mellows into the floral heart of jasmine and transcends to patchouli, honey and amber notes adding to a comforting and soothing smell
• The Best Sensual Fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top notes – Cypress, Violet and Bergamot
• Middle notes – Tobacco and Jasmine
• Base notes – Patchouli, Honey, Amber, Leather, Elemi Resin

7. One Million by Paco Rabanne

Product Features:

• Back in 2000, when the perfume was presented at the market, the product was an instant hit among young men of all professional backgrounds
• Given the perfume is a bouquet of Rosewood, Agarwood and Blood Orange, 1 million is a noteworthy spicy fragrance
• One Million perfume opens with a sharp head, has a mellow roundness tang to it and smoothens into a minty sensation
• Catering to the needs of 21st-century young vibrant men, the perfume is a delight that lasts throughout the day
• The product received an extensive appreciation for creating a seamless transition through its notes
• This is the best perfume for teenagers and beginners in this category

Key Notes:

• Top notes – Blood Mandarin, Peppermint, Grapefruit
• Middle notes – Spicy Notes, Cinnamon, Rose, Musk
• Base notes – Indian Patchouli, Amber, Leather, Woody notes

8. Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Homme

Product Features:

• Armaf is quite a young fragrance brand based in the United Arab Emirates established in 2015, targeted basically to attract young working professionals
• Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Homme, a woody fruity musk perfume/cologne was an instant hit among professionals, making it the best male fragrance for work
• The perfume has a subtle transition and the perfume must not be overdone, although the aroma calms down evenly after few hours of application
• A clone of the Creed’s Aventus, the performance and longevity of the perfume is excellent and is suitable for both casual and professional wear
• Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Homme would allure you with a black glass and an atomiser.
• This is the best office fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top notes – Pineapple, Bergamot, Apple, Black Currant, Lemon
• Middle notes – Birch, Jasmine, Rose
• Base notes – Patchouli, Musk, Ambergris, Vanilla

9. Guerlain l’Homme Idéal EDP

Product Features:

• Guerlain is a laudable French perfume, cosmetics and skincare house, and one among the pioneers of the cosmetics industry founded in 1828, later acquired by the LVMH
• The perfume, Guerlain l’Homme Idéal EDP was a sequel product of a successful array of Homme Idéal products
• Guerlain l’Homme Idéal EDP is ideal for a masuline perfume but with an almond twist and a blending mix of a seductive vanilla tincture with mysterious leather
• The performance of the perfume is in par with all mainstream perfumes in terms of longevity and sillage
• This is the best subtle fragrance for men in this fragrance

Key Notes:

• Top notes – Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, Spices, Almond, Bergamot
• Middle notes – Bulgarian Rose, Cherry, Incense, Vanilla
• Base notes – Tonka bean, Leather, Sandalwood

10. Aramis by Estee Lauder

Product Features:

• Launched in the year 1966 by major fashion house Estee Lauder
• It blends both traditional fragrance with classic and thats why its still very relevant in these times
• Has a very woody chypre kind of fragrance
• The best compliment-getter fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top notes – Artemisia, Bergamot, Clover, gardenia
• Middle notes – Sage, Patchouli, Jasmine, Cardamom
• Base notes – Oak moss, Leather, Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver and Coconut

11. Versace Pour Homme

Product Features:

• Designed by the incredible Roberto Morillas, a perfume legend
• Pour Homme is a powerful blend of flowery fresh fragrance
• Has the incredible Brand image of Versace
• This is the best cult favourite perfume for men

Key Notes:

• Top Notes: Rose de mai, Lemon, Bergamot and Neroli
• Heart Notes: Geranium, hyacinth, Cedar and Clary Sage
• Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Musk and Amber

12. YSL La Nuit De L’homme

Product Features:

• One of the best all-weather fragrances in the market
• Launched with much anticipation by the fashion powerhouse YSL in 2009
• It is a spicy-woody fragrance with ultimate sillage and lasting power
• This is the best all-weather fragrance on this list

Key Notes:

• Top Notes: Cardamom and Bergamot
• Heart Notes: Lavender and BVirginia Cedar
• Base Notes: Caraway and Vetiver

13. Calvin Klein One

Best Value Perfume

Product Features:

• Created by Roberto Morillas and has fast become one of the most iconic perfume
• One of the oldest yet most relevant and current fragrance for all age groups
• Has a powerful citrus fragrance that is enchanting and impressive
• This is the best budget buy perfume in this category.

Key Notes:

• Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Pineapple, Mandarin Orange, Papaya and Cardamom
• Heart Notes: Lily of the Valley, Violet, Jasmine, Rose, Nutmeg, Orris Roots and Freesia
• Base Notes: Green Accord, Green Tea, Musk, Cedar, Amber, Oakmoss and Sandalwood

14. Versace EROS

Product Features:

• An iconic Versace fragrance launched in 2012
• Comes in the iconic Versace bottle with embellishments
• Eros depicts the greek mythology of the combination of love and passion
• A woody and oriental fragrance suitable for all occasions
• This is the perfume with the best bottle design in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Lemon, Green Apple and Mint
• Heart Notes – Geranium, Tonka beans and Ambroxan
• Base Notes – Vanilla, Cedar, Vetiver, Oakmoss

15. Paco Rabanne Invictus

Product Features:

• Paco Rabanne Invictus is a fusion of hygiene with elegance, inspired from the aromas of Brazilian Rosewood and rosemary
• The Invictus’ transition between notes is so furbished that it denotes a sense of dry cleanliness for the wearer
• Archetypal of the 1970s, the fragrance evokes a woody and raw aroma expanding over for a longer time.
• The classic men’s fragrance uplifting the masculine accords is deeply instilled in the base notes of the cologne
• Befitting wear for casual and formal attire, Paco Rabanne soothes the ideal men’s lookout for a dynamic perfume/cologne
• The tantalizing sense of fragrance emanating from the Paco Rabanne perfume is something most women love about in men who wear it
• The best masculine fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Rosemary, Clary Sage, Brazilian Rosewood
• Middle Notes – Lavender, Ambroxan, Geranium, Tonka Bean
• Base Notes – Oakmoss, Labdanum, Musk, Honey

16. Gucci Guilty

Product Features:

• Easily, one of the pioneers and the most familiar name in the fashion industry, the brand has established an everlasting ground for themselves in positioning their products forefront in the market
• Gucci Guilty for men is created as a signature romantics in fragrance construct, with musky lemon and cedar aromas
• ‘Suicide Squad’ star Jared Leto is the face of the brand for a longer time, and that speaks for for brand positioning and endorsement
• The brand has paralleled itself in line with the changing dynamics of consumer interest, with Gucci Guilty being an example in itself by posing as a anti-conformist,extravagant fragrance
• This is the best Extravagant perfume for men in this list

Key Notes:

• Top notes – Amalfi Lemon,Lavender
• Middle notes – African orange flower
• Base notes – Vanilla, Virginia cedar, Patchouli

17. Chanel Bleu De Chanel

Product Features:

• An exclusive mens citrus fragrance launched by Chanel in 2010
• A classic fragrance with a fresh citrus opening and a musky-spicy dry down
• A must-have fragrance for all men and a staple in your perfume closet
• This is one of the Best Spice based perfume for every men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Lemon, Grapefruit, Mint, Pink Pepper
• Heart Notes – Ginger, Nutmeg, Jasmine and Iso E Super
• Base Notes – Labdanum,incense, cedar, sandalwood, musk, vetiver and patchouli

18. Tom Ford Velvet Orchid

Product Features:

• Velvet Orchid was developed by the designer brand Tom Ford in the year 2014 aiming at winning over the metrosexual men.
• The fragrance was launched with a striking floral note that slowly transcends to a musky scent
• The Velvet Orchid is an Oriental floral fragrance perfect for fall and winters
• This is Best Floral fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Rum, honey, Mandarin Orange and Bergamot
• Heart Notes – Orchid, Black Orchid, Heliotropes, Rose, Jasmine, Magnolia, Hyacinth and Narcissus
• Base Notes – Vanilla, Suede, Myrrh, Ladanium, Peru Balsam and sandalwood

19. D&G Light Blue for Men

Product Features:

• The Light blue is one of the most successful in the D&G fragrance line-up
• Powerful fruity notes that slowly fade into a musky scent
• Winner of the best men’s fragrance in 2008 for Luxe category by FiFi
• This is the best clean aquatic fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Bergamot, Grapefruit, Sicilian Mandarin and Juniper
• Heart Notes – Brazillian rosewood, Rosemary, pepper
• Base Notes – Oakmoss, incense and musk

20. JPG Ultra Male

Product Features:

• A spin-off of the original Le Male which was ruling the mens perfume range since 1995
• Ultra male is a better performing, lasting and intense version of the Le Male
• Comes from the patronage of one of the best perfume makers in the Industry – John Paul Gaultier from Italy.
• This is the best Seductive fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Pear, lavender, bergamot, mint and lemon
• Heart Notes – Cinnamon, Caraway. Clary Sage
• Base Notes – Black Vanilla husk, patchouli, amber and cedar

21. Coach for Men

Product Features:

• Coach for men is for the ultimate cool guy of the modern age.
• It is a woody fragrance with hints of fresh lavender and grapefruit that is exciting and youthful
• Fragrance is developed by the veteran perfume Anne Filipo
• This is the best youthful perfume for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Pear, Bergamot, Lavender, Grapefruit and Kumquat
• Heart Notes – Cardamom, Coriander and Geranium
• Base Notes – Vetiver, Ambergris, Amberwood and Suede

22. Versace Dylan Blue

Product Features:

• A classic bottle of Versace Perfume – the Dylan Blue is a style statement for the classic man
• Developed by the master perfumer Alberto Morillas for the classic Versace fragrance line-up
• An aquatic-woody fragrance that is unique and exciting for all occasions.

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Fig, Grapefruit and Bergamot
• Heart Notes – Patchouli, black pepper, violet leaf and papyrus
• Base Notes – Tonka beans, saffron, incense and musk

23. Chanel Allure Sport

Product Features:

• A classic Chanel fragrance designed for outdoors and sport activities
• A great performing, long lasting fragrance for men focussing on extreme activities
• A woody-spicy fragrance that has now become a staple for mens perfume collectors
• This is the best Sporty fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Sea notes, Orange, Blood Mandarin and aldehydes
• Heart Notes – Neroli, pepper and cedar
• Base Notes – Elemi Resin, vanilla, tonka beans, White musk, amber and vetiver

24. Mont Blanc Individuel

Product Features:

• Mont Blanc Individuel is a designer fragrance designed for the elegant and confident men for the office and for the corporate world
• Mont Blanc exudes style and stature in its products and the Individuel was designed to translate the same
• This is an oriental woody fragrance that immediately captures the attention
• This is the best floral fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Lavender, Pineapple, Juniper berries, Mint, Rosemary, Cardamom, mint and Coriander
• Heart Notes – Violet, Jasmine, Geranium, Orange Blossoms
• Base Notes – Raspberry, vanilla, sandalwood, oakmoss, dark chocolate, musk, vetiver and patchouli

25. L’Homme by Lacoste

Product Features:

• A powerful fragrance that opens with a fruity punch and settles down to a warm musk fragrance
• Launched in 2017 and has acquired great fame amongst youngsters
• A preferred fragrance for regular wear with a very attractive scent
• This is the best fruity fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Mandarin Orange, sweet orange, quince and rhubarb
• Heart Notes – Jasmine, almond, black pepper and ginger
• Base Notes – Musk, amber, vanilla, cedar

26. Dolce and Gabbana The One

Product Features:

• A fine, warm fragrance for the confident and flamboyant men
• Dolce and Gabbana has many successful perfumes and this one is especially popular
• Has a unique tobacco fragrance which is strong and has a confident vibe
• This is the best confident fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Grapefruit, basil and coriander
• Heart Notes – Ginger, orange blossoms and cardamom
• Base Notes – Tobacco, cedar and amber

27. Yves Saint Laurent Y

Product Features:

• A classic YSL fragrance for the formal attire and the iconic White shirt and Black jacket which happens to be the bottle ensemble as well
• It is a Aromatic Fougere type of fragrance for men
• Launched in 2018 under the powerful YSL umbrella of designer perfumes
• This is the best formal fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Ginger, bergamot, apple
• Heart Notes – Sage, geranium and juniper berries
• Base Notes – Amberwood, tonka beans, cedar and vetiver

28. Tom Ford Tobacco Oud

Product Features:

• A one-of-a-kind very unique and are designer fragrance that is a stand alone in the perfume industry
• A gutsy fragrance that boasts of confident, sensual vibe and is aimed for the alpha men
• A love-it or Hate-it kind of fragrance suited for those who are experimental with fragrances
• This is the best Bold and Gutsy fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Whiskey
• Heart Notes – Spices, Cinnamon and Coriander
• Base Notes – Tobacco, Agarwood, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Patchouli and Vanilla

29. Salvatore Ferragamo F (Black)

Product Features:

• A spin off on the original Salvatore Farragamo F and was introduced in the year 2009
• An elegant Lavender and spice fragrance perfect for an evening getaway
• One of the renowned designer fragrance brand with a line-up of successful perfumes
• This is one of the best elegant fragrance for men in this category.

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Lavender and Green Apple
• Heart Notes – Coriander and Black Pepper
• Base Notes – Labdanum and Tonka Beans

30. Artisan Pure by John Varvatos

Product Features:

• The fragrance is a fresh crisp citrusy fragrance inspired by the perfumer’s roots in Mexico
• It is a very refined fruity fragrance that slowly settles into a woody fragrance which makes it perfect for men
• John Varvatos is a designer fragrance and has a range of artisan perfumes of which this is the most popular ick by users
• This is one of the best recently popular fragrance for men in this category

Key Notes:

• Top Notes – Lemon, Bergamot, Clementine, Marjoram, Thyme and Mandarin Orange
• Heart Notes – Ginger and Petitgrain
• Base Notes – Woody notes, orris roots, Amber and musk

By now you should have chosen the fragrance and perfume that best suits you.

Clearly, there might be some more questions in your head on how and when to apply a cologne. We have put together the answers for some of your questions. Let us first look into the how part of perfume/cologne wearing.

How to apply a Perfume/Cologne?

Though most of you are aware of the process, it is essential to know the actual way of wearing one so as to enjoy your perfume/cologne to the fullest.

• Apply the perfume/cologne once you are out of the shower, on dry and clean skin.
• Apply on the pulse points like your wrist or neck, the base of the throat, the nape, base of the throat, behind the ears, the jugulars
• These pulse points are the pressure points on the body with veins and arteries that are close to the surface that produces heat. Consequently, when a fragrance is sprayed above these pressure points, it slowly radiates off the skin for a better projection
• There are separate perfumes/colognes to be worn for separate occasions, this goes by for indoors and office wears as well
• Behind each ear and the base of your throat is the points of perfumes/cologne application for office and professional occasions. In order to respect your colleague’s personal space, wear a perfume/cologne that has a slightly lesser projection sphere so that you don’t seem to be intruding
• Nape and behind each ear for outdoor occasions, and when you are on a night out wear it in your shoulder joints also. Having in mind the factors of pollution, crowds and breezy air, wear a perfume/cologne that doesn’t break the projection sphere
• The fragrance applied in shoulder joints helps in reinforcing the aromatic compounds all night long
• When on a date, wear your perfume/cologne on each jugular, base of throat and on solar plexus.
• Spraying in the air and walking through it, is not the best way to wear a perfumes/cologne
• Do not take the bottle too close to your skin, maintain at least 3-6 inches of a gap.
• 3 or 4 squirts are the ideal amount to be sprayed on and do not rub the perfume/cologne over your body.

When to apply a Perfume/Cologne?

There is a general misconception between deodorant and a perfume/cologne, even with body spray for that matter. Deodorant is mainly used to neutralise natural body odours while the perfume/cologne is worn to add a layer of fragrance to ‘smell good’. Let us now see when to use perfume/cologne.

• Wear it to your workplace in a very subtle and undermined fashion.
• On outdoor events or occasions wear your perfume/cologne with citrus fragrances
• When out on a date or for a romantic dinner, experiment with your perfume/cologne and put on a musky scent that is devoid of citrus or tobacco.
• Keeping the place and occasion in mind, never overdo your perfume/cologne as it might bring out a heavy odour.

Endnote

With that said, stay aware of your fragrance quotient, and what essentially uplifts its sense and health. It might be a tad difficult to land upon one perfume/cologne that fits all your attire and occasions, but Critik has put up the top 10 Best Perfume/ Cologne for Men to help you make the right choice in your fragrance endeavour.

Glossary

Top notes – This refers to the most noticeable aroma in your cologne, typically adds to the refreshing sorts. These are also the quickest to evaporate from 30 minutes to few hours depending on the cologne. Some of the popular top notes are lemon, peppermint and sweet orange.

Middle notes – This gives the blend to the fragrance and a body to the texture of the aromatic transition. The middle notes take up to 4/5 hours to evaporate from your skin after applying. Geranium, lavender and rosemary are some of the common middle notes used.

Base notes – This acts as the fixative agent that blends the top and middle notes and stabilises the fusion. They have deep and intense aromas that they take longer to evaporate even up to a few days. Jasmine, patchouli and myrrh are common base notes used in a cologne