23 Best Men’s Colognes for Every Mood, According to Glamour Editors

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,” says Glamour shopping writer Jake Smith. “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.

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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. We also love the blue bottle, which is flashier (and, dare we say, cooler) than the typically reserved packaging for men.

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

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Heavy on the citrus notes, this perfume oil smells like a forest on the first nice day of spring. “From the moment I first smelled this verdant scent, I’ve been obsessed with it,” Smith says. “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.” Plus, the travel-friendly bottle fits nearly anywhere.

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

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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.

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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.

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Royals-approved fragrance house Jo Malone specializes in deceptively simple scents. This bestseller—one of its most masculine options—is basically relaxation in a bottle, with woody, aqua notes that bring to mind a seaside escape.

Notes: Ambrette, sea salt, sage
Sizes: 0.3 oz., 1 oz., 3.4 oz.

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“It’s hard for me to pick a favorite Amouage scent—my most complimented one is the woody, spicy Purpose—but I’m absolutely transfixed by this nautical pick,” Smith says. “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, jasmine, sandalwood, ambergris, vanilla
Sizes: 3.4 oz.

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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 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. (And if you want to sample more of the brand’s unique scents, it’s also available in a gift set.)

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

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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. (Plus, it’s a fraction of the price of Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue or Dior’s Sauvage.) Why not give it a shot?

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

In the realm of designer fragrances, Tom Ford occupies perhaps the sexiest perch. (Sorry, Hermès and Creed.) 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.

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

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Another of Folino’s favorites, this amber-y unisex fragrance “tips more masculine” and comes from a TikTok-approved brand. Thanks to the oud-like vanilla and musk, it’s warm and more than a little sexy—perfect for turning up the heat during winter or sweating through during summer.

Notes: Bergamot, lemon, jasmine, saffron, cyclamen, sandalwood, vanilla, musk, amber, moss, cedarwood
Sizes: 1.7 oz.

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Go a rich, sensual route in Gucci Guilty. The famous fragrance finds unique beauty in the unexpected combination of rose, chili pepper, and cedar. The result is a musky, aromatic experience that’s undeniably alluring—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.

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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,” Smith says. The holographic label and magnetic cap make the entire experience more luxurious and fun.

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

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Paco Rabanne’s Invictus is bottled in a trophy—and the winning vibes don’t stop there. It’s clean, fresh, and woody, making you smell like an 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.

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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,” Smith says. “It deserves its cultlike following, though, because it’s simply so good. That opening punch of sandalwood is iconic, and the lower notes—cardamom, ambrox, and iris, among others—keep it spicy and layered long after the initial application.

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

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One of the cheekier men’s fragrances available anywhere, skin care brand Malin+Goetz’s Cannabis eau de toilette spray isn’t skunky; instead, it’s green and herbaceous. Woody notes like bergamot, cedar, and patchouli ground the scent, while floral magnolia keeps things from getting too heavy. Spray each wrist and look back on your misspent youth.

Notes: Black pepper, magnolia, bergamot, cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood
Sizes: 1.7 oz.

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“I grew up on the colognes from American Eagle and Abercrombie & Fitch,” Smith says, “and Diesel’s signature fragrance is like the grown-up version of those. It’s fresh, spicy, and youthful, much like the brand’s recent runway shows. I’ll spritz it on when I want to remind myself of simpler times.”

Notes: Ginger, bergamot, denim-cotton accord, lavender, vanilla
Sizes: 1 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.

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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,” Smith says. “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 in your masculinity.”

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

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