As far as men’s colognes go, hundreds and thousands of products line the shelves of specialty and drugstores, trying to grab your attention as soon as you commit to the daunting task of selecting one that works for you.
Fragrances are presented as clean, fresh, warm, fruity and everything in between, and it can be confusing to figure out which of these gazillion options are some of the world’s best men’s colognes in the market. We have reviewed each of these perfumes in detail. While the wrong scent will set you back in your daily endeavors, the right one will boost your self-confidence and desirability by a few notches.
Best Mens Cologne of 2020 – All-Time Favorite
- MONTBLANC Legend Eau De Toilette: This is one of the topmost desired men’s fragrances. This alluring fragrance is affordable to get. For adding an oomph factor to your personality, Montblanc Legend is what you need to get. Quantity: 3.3 Fl Oz, Specialty: This is best considered for office-going men. It can be used in every season and climate.
- Kenneth Cole Black, 3.4 Fl Oz: Kenneth Cole Black is loaded with tempting fragrance. Its citrusy spike boosts up your energy and makes you feel fresh. For men, it is going to be a top-notch fragrance for sure. Quantity: 3.4 Fl Oz, Specialty: It is an excellent choice for a warmer climate and for summer season.
- Sauvage: Sauvage is packed with a seductive fragrance that specially targets the young men. Though it is mild yet it is bold! Get along with it in the evenings. Quantity: 2 Ounce, Specialty: it goes great in spring and summer.
- Jean-Paul Gaultier: What a majestic scent it is that goes for the entire year but especially serves as a perfect blend of summer and spring. Quantity: 4.2 Oz, Specialty: it can be used in every climate and season.
- Coach New York: Coach New York has made its comeback with cost-effective prices. Its bold fragrance adds up your confidence and makes you leave a great impression in your meeting. Quantity: 3.3 Fl Oz, Specialty: It can be worn in summer and spring.
- Polo Cologne Spray: This men’s cologne is filled with the freshness of lavender and with valor basil and cumin. Its aesthetic notes create a majestic world around you. It is a must-try item for men in 2020. Quantity: 8 Oz, Specialty: it is best suitable for warmer weather and goes great in casual and formal events.
- 18.21 Man-Made: It is indeed a renowned name in the world of fragrances. When it comes to classiest men’s perfumes then 18.21 Man-Made makes the difference as it is men’s favorite scent. Quantity: 3.4 Fl Oz, Specialty: It can be worn throughout the year and in every season.
- JIMMY CHOO: Jimmy Choo won’t let you go unnoticed by the opposite gender. This fragrance is loaded with all the heavenly notes that makes it so adorable. Fall in love with your skin with this classy fragrance in 2020. Quantity: 3.3 Fl Oz, Specialty: It is considered best for spring and summer.
- HUGO MAN Eau De Toilette: For feeling fresh and light throughout the day Hugo Man will be just the ticket for you. The aquatic notes of this fragrance will make you feel so mild and moderate in all the ways. Quantity: 2.5 Fl Oz, Specialty: It can be worn daily on both formal and casual events of every season.
- Tommy Bahama Maritime: Elegance is bottled in Tommy Bahama Maritime exclusively for men. It promises to outshine your personality in a most sublime way. Quantity: 4.2 Oz, Specialty: It is best for casual use and suitable for spring and summer.
- Calvin Klein CK One: The divine fragrance of Calvin Klein is unimaginably sweet and sassy at the same time. With this scent, you would feel so confident and composed. Quantity: 6.7 Fl Oz, Specialty: It is highly recommended for night events and suitable for all types of climates and seasons.
- Diesel Only The Brave: This mighty fragrance you can get even if you don’t have deep pockets as this is amongst the most inexpensive scents for men. Feel the charming aroma of this scent and stand distinguish. Quantity: 4.2 Oz, Specialty: It can be used for year-round and considered best for spring nights.
MONTBLANC Legend
- Best for Spring
- Long Lasting
- Light Refreshing Scent
Calvin Klein CK One
- Best for Office
- Full Day Longitivity
- Sweet and Bright Scent
While you have to do your own, “Project – Best Cologne for Me”, we can tell you which men’s colognes are trending in 2020 and are our picks for this year.
1. MONTBLANC Legend Eau de Toilette – [Hot Choice]
The Montblanc Legend Eau de Toilette was birthed in 2011 as an homage to the Montblanc’s revolutionary Meisterstrück pen. One of the most affordable fragrances for men in Montblanc’s range, it is overshadowed by its sister product Individuel (top selling women’s perfume) but continues to hold its own faithful following. Drawing from multiple aromatic notes, this Fougère fragrance draws in notes of fruity and aquatic scents to deliver a fresh aroma that makes it the best one from our top 10 list.
Opening on head notes of citrusy verbena and bergamot, giving way to lavender and pineapple, the scent opens fresh and flavourful. The product presents heart notes of Geranium, Rose and Apple and oakmoss which shapes the body of the fragrance into the beloved scent of freshly-mown hay. This is where the scent begins to get its fresh aquatic notes that draw from the rose and apple undertones. The subsequent base entails scents of sandalwood and tonka bean, finishing with a woodsy flavor. The earthy tonka bean provides a light vanilla note and a sweet finish.
The rise of this multitude of notes is structural, not in the least linear that is seen in some overdone scents. While this one is not too strong a scent, the sillage may be a little weak for some people’s taste. While the scent lasts long enough, it may require a refresh halfway through the day.
Our Verdict:
Feminine Choice and stands as one of the best men’s cologne of 2020 and is suitable for wear throughout the year, but its aromatic notes are better suited to spring. Given its subdued tone, it is perfect for office use where you won’t overwhelm yet rightly impress the people in your vicinity.
| Head Notes | Verbena, Bergamot, Lavender, Pineapple Leaf |
| Heart Notes | Rose, Apple, Oakmoss, Geranium |
| Base Notes | Sandalwood, Tonka Bean |
| Longevity | Up to 6 hours |
Pros:
- Its longevity is its best part as you don’t have to refresh it even after hours.
- It comes in eye-popping packaging
Cons:
- Nil
2. Kenneth Cole Black, 3.4 Fl Oz
“Kenneth Cole Black” ,One of the highest rated mens cologne in 2020, which opens with a rush of mandarin and tarty ozone, with a spicy ginger note balanced by a cooler mint and fresh basil. A sharp citrusy spike gives way to heart notes of lotus flower mixed with cedar leaves, still drawing from spicy notes of nutmeg and depth of incense smoke.
The scent hits just the right spot as it ends with notes of musk, violet, a suede leather note, and saltier and earthier ambergris. The combinations arouse a young spontaneity, feeling energetic and exciting.
Our Verdict:
This top ranked perfume has ample wear time of 6 hours. A gentle refresh brings the scent back home for full day wear. Perfect for wear throughout the year, except in the coldest weather where the warm notes can feel overwhelming.
| Head Notes | Watermint, Zesty Mandarin, Basil Leaves, Fresh Ginger |
| Heart Notes | Cedar Leaf, Nutmeg, Lotus Flower, Incense Smoke |
| Base Notes | Black Suede, Violet Leaves, Musk, Ambergis |
| Longevity | Up to 6 hours |
Pros:
- Unique Fragrance
- Affordable Price
- Best for Summer Season
Cons:
- Staying Power is a bit less
3. Sauvage by Christian Dior Eau de Toilette for Men
Not drawing from its namesake Dior’s 1966 classic, Sauvage is a bold fragrance for men, targeting young users. Developed by François Demachy, Sauvage opens on notes of fresh mint, a burst of bergamot and exciting pepper, and can be received as a sharp fragrance.
Overall, however, the headnotes are light and balance the sharpness with low depth. As the heart notes begin to develop, one can pick out aromatic notes of lavender, mild geranium and little earthy patchouli. This last note provides the blend with a nice body and substance with its earthliness, while the scent remains mild enough not to overpower. A hint of vanilla emeri also emerges, although exceedingly faint.
Nevertheless, the pepper and lavender start to develop an interesting harmony, inducing a balanced spicy freshness. For the base notes, the scent draws from a musky base, with strong notes of fresh sea-breeze ambergris. An oily note of labdanum rounds the scent which is quite delicious for the palate. And when you think this already is the best men’s perfume you have tried this year, a cedar wood note extends to hit the nail on the head.
This light cologne impresses with its mildness, and its combination of spice and warm notes can easily overpower if not balanced. The scent is most detectable in closer encounters, so you are good to wear it year-round for work without overpowering a board room. This one of the best men’s cologne that lasts long, preferably best for businessmen.
Our Verdict:
Sauvage’s aromatic composition much closely appeals as a spring and summer blend, yet is wearable throughout the year. It would also make an ideal fragrance for evening wear, blooming as the sun starts to set on a warm summer day.
| Head Notes | Fresh mint, Bergamot, Pepper |
| Heart Notes | Lavender, Geranium, Patchouli, Vanilla, |
| Base Notes | Musk, Ambergis, Labdanum, |
| Longevity | Up to 8 hours |
Pros:
- No need to refresh it over and over again
- Best for Whole Year
- Long Staying Power
Cons:
- Quantity is bit less
4. Jean-Paul Gaultier – Top Male Fragrance
This best seller scent right here is for the bold in you! Opening on loud and rather bitter citrus notes, this is the one that makes the head turns, only in a good way.
The fragrance opens on a light grapefruit note which is more powerfully masked by bitter bergamot and contrasting cardamom notes. Spicy cinnamon and dirty cumin are balanced by a fresher lavender and orange blossom yet the base notes tame that chutzpah in the end. Balanced by the sandalwood and cedar, tonka and amber, and a vanilla body bring the diametrically-opposed notes in the top and middle to an agreement.
Forming as a super fresh and fruity scent on your skin, this fragrance is for those of you who are not afraid to stand out.
Our Verdict:
This one is one of the most popular men’s perfume for a night out clubbing or an adventure with your friends. Longevity wise, the scent can last an entire night out, but if you love it for the loud energy that it brings to the air as we do, a light refresh can prolong the hint of aggressive notes that makes it a favorite.
| Head Notes | Mint, Artemesia, Cardamom, Bergamot |
| Heart Notes | Lavender, Orange blossom, Cinnamon, Cumin |
| Base Notes | Sandalwood, Vanilla, Cedar, Tonka Bean, Amber |
| Longevity | Up to 8 hours |
Pros:
- Great in price
- Large Bottle
- High Longevity
Cons:
- Bit Pricey
5. Coach New York for Men
Coach for men is one of the best men’s cologne of 2020 since Coach has stepped back into the game after its initial failures with affordable fragrances for men. This one opens on fruity notes of bergamot, kumquat, and pear. Surprisingly, the suede base makes an entrance early on with the head notes, calling out to the scent’s true value pretty early in the game. Mingling with the top, the scent forms into a body-ful masculine affair.
As the heart notes of cardamom, coriander, and geranium appear, the scent takes a fresh and spicy turn that lasts for an hour after application. Ultimately, the fragrance forms into the promised leather body with its base notes, detectable from a distance of three to five feet as you walk the streets boldly. The ambergris base in this is beautiful, emboldened by the other base notes of synth woods and the suede that made an appearance in the beginning. The scent finishes with a fresh Haitian vetiver scent, wearing for as long as 8 hours.
Our Verdict:
Best budget, more of a summer and spring scent, this is one of the top-selling men’s fragrance for 2020, for both formal and semi-casual wear. Lay it to rest for a night out, though, you will be good to conquer a client meeting with this bold scent in your cabinet.
| Head Notes | Bergamot, Kumquat, Pear |
| Heart Notes | Cardamom, Coriander, Geranium |
| Base Notes | Suede, Ambergis, Synth wood, Haitian vetiver |
| Longevity | Up to 6 hours |
Pros:
- High Projection
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Petite Quantity
6. Polo Cologne Spray By Ralph Lauren – Best Men’s Cologne of all times
This best men’s polo fragrance is one of the most balanced and well-mixed concoctions available on the market this year. Opening on loud notes, it settles gently into a harmonious sensual play of smells.
Its top notes comprise of fresh and woody scents, mixing in some floral notes, making you feel like a walk on a breezy day near the lake and the woods. Hitting strong yet well-rounded notes of pine, juniper, warmer bergamot, spicy cumin and basil, and floral notes of lavender and fresh green notes of Artemisia, the scent opens boldly fresh with undertones of spice that does not overpower. Giving way to slightly more floral and herby notes with a hint of spicy coriander, the heart notes take shape soon after the first spritz. Marjoram, jasmine, carnation, rose and geranium does a balanced dance on the palate, without coming off as a feminine scent with this flowery overdose. A hint of thyme rounds of the heart notes to a green and fresh undertone like a mild day out in the spring. As the base notes begin to shape, the fragrance feels remarkably masculine drawing from heady scents of the forest. Hints of Oakmoss, Patchouli, Cedar, Amber take you out in the woods and bring you back home with a spritz of Leather, Frankincense and the ever loved musk.
Our Verdict:
It is highly recommended, best for the money and wears beautifully in warmer weather. A single spray can last until your afternoon meeting. Works equally well for casual and formal events, and if you are looking for a well-rounded scent leaning towards a bolder tone, this is perfect for you. Easily recognizable as it has been a strong player in the market for years, selling vintage editions which are rather sharper for the novice, this will make you some new friends.
| Head Notes | Pine, Lavender, Juniper, Artemisia, Bergamot, Cumin, Basil, Green notes |
| Heart Notes | Coriander, Marjoram, Jasmine, Carnation, Geranium, Thyme, Rose |
| Base Notes | Oakmoss, Patchouli, Leather, Cedar, Musk, Amber, Frankincense |
| Longevity | Up to 6 hours |
Pros:
- Bottled up in great quality
- Authentic
- Best for Summers
Cons:
- You need to refresh it after a certain period
7. 18.21 Man-Made Men’s Cologne
Another popular scent for men in 2020, the 18.21 Man-Made Men’s Cologne, Tobacco Vanilla Fragrance opens forth dark yet sweet, with red wine and honey, small bits of citrus and a generous yet not-too-much helping of tobacco. The tobacco, as it should owing to the name of the scent, with honey takes the lead and for the first few minutes, that is all you get.
Wait around though, because soon after, the fresh woodsy notes appear to balance this combination out and make sure that the scent doesn’t begin to be tabbed as cloying. The sweet tonka in the blend helps to round it off further. As the product dries down to a skin scent, the red-wine scent becomes more and more prominent, and so does the powdery base as the honey fades. The fragrance leaves a boozy after taste, and if you are a fan of that, this will surely turn out to be one of your favorite men’s cologne.
Our Verdict:
This sweet-smelling cologne is worth giving a try. The scent’s longevity is a good 6 hours and boasts a moderate projection which is hard to miss.
| Head Notes | Red Wine, Manuka Honey, Lemon, |
| Heart Notes | Plum, Tonka Bean, Clary Sage |
| Base Notes | Tobacco Leaf, Vanilla bean, Patchouli, Musk, Exotic Woods |
| Longevity | Up to 6 hours |
Pros:
- Perfect Projection
- Beautiful Packaging
- High Longevity
Cons:
- Nil
8. JIMMY CHOO Man Intense Eau De Toilette
Jimmy Choo’s syrupy, fougère scent is breaking it big in 2020, yet again. This sweet scent is, by all means, one of the most glamorous men’s perfume without coming off as too masculine, yet with a huskiness to it. That means this is the best men’s cologne for a night out with your partner, if not for a boy’s night out.
Head notes of lavender and melon play on the tones of citrusy orange and mandarin as the scent open on the sweet side. As the scent settles down, warmer spices appear with hints of geranium and Artemisia, locking on notes of black pepper for the macho touch. It’s base notes take a saccharine twist once more to settle into a bold and brave statement. A moderate spritz can last throughout dinner and drinks.
Our Verdict:
This scent is best suited for summer and spring and compliments the warmer nights.
| Head Notes | Lavender, Honeydew Melon |
| Heart Notes | Artemisia, Geranium, Pepper |
| Base Notes | Patchouli, Labdanum, Tonka Bean |
| Longevity | Up to 4 hours |
Pros:
- Best for Summers
- Best in Price
- Unique Scent
- Purely masculine stuff and can be used to make a positive impression on the opposite gender.
Cons:
- Longevity is bit low
9. HUGO MAN Eau de Toilette
Hugo Man remains one of the best men’s cologne this year in 2020, with the brand continuing to keep its fans interested in this fruity green scent. Hugo opens on a bright mélange, with tones of grapefruit, green apple, and bergamot. A little later on the fresh pine with the mild kitchen herbs thyme, basil, and spearmint join the party for the woodsy feel, giving way to even more greens of sage, cloves, and cedar in the heart notes.
There is lavender and geranium faintly perceivable buried in aquatic aromachems and calone and rum notes giving way to a heady body. The base is anchored by oakmoss and sandalwood. The vetiver gives it the promised grassy smoky finish, and a hint of suede gives it a more rounded masculine finish that makes it a popular men’s cologne for daily use. The green apple and citrusy transition to herbs, woods, moss, and a final aquatic notes all appear with a moderate spritz and the scent lasts throughout the day.
Our Verdict:
Best for Daily use, you will absolutely love it as it is a great cologne according to women in 2020.
| Head Notes | Grapefruit, Green Apple, Spearmint, Thyme, Basil, Cedar Leaves, Pine, Mélange |
| Heart Notes | Jasmine, Sage, Geranium, Cedarwood, Lavender, Cloves, Rum |
| Base Notes | Fir Balsam, Moss, Suede, Vetiver, Sandalwood |
| Longevity | Up to 10 hours |
Pros:
- Its longevity is huge that stays for more than ten hours
- It doesn’t restrict you to wear for some specific event, you can wear it casually and formally at the same time.
Cons:
- Packaging needs to be more classy
10. Tommy Bahama Maritime Men Cologne
Tommy Bahama’s Maritime follows the same aquatic theme that is popular with the brand. This fragrance is a citrusy aquatic and perfect for summer wear. The overall quality of the scent is fresh and uplifting, somewhat inviting in its tone, making it one of the best smelling men’s cologne. Although the notes list some clear florals, the scent in no way steers away from the fresh masculine touch that is demanded by men using some of the most popular colognes on the market today. Top notes of lavender, clary sage, pink pepper and bergamot grace the palate as you spritz it on, giving way to the heart notes after 20 or so minutes as the scent settles.
The heart tones are light, fresh and a balanced floral that doesn’t overpower. Notes of jasmine, water lily, geranium, violet leaf and ambergris create a well-rounded center before the heavy base notes anchor the scent. As the affair settles down, base notes of sandalwood, cedar, musk and moss come together, without losing touch with the freshness that is promised by the product’s name.
Our Verdict:
This scent lasts for up to 6-8 hours and is more of casual wear than formal. Aquatic scents always have a place in the men’s cabinet, and this one takes the boat to the sea.
| Head Notes | Lavender, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Pink Pepper |
| Heart Notes | Geranium, Violet leaf, Ambergris, Water lily, Jasmine |
| Base Notes | Cedarwood, Musk, Moss, Sandalwood |
| Longevity | Up to 8 hours |
Pros:
- It stays for a longer time-span
- It isn’t confined to any gender, both can use it.
Cons:
- Nil
11. Calvin Klein CK one Eau de Toilette
Calvin Klein’s CK one is often marketed as a scent that works for both genders, but the CK One cologne is surely the number one men’s cologne. It lies in the list of top 10 scents as Calvin Klein itself is one of the famous perfume brands for male. Top notes of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, pineapple, papaya, and cardamom, welcome with a mostly citrusy flavor with a hint of spicy warmth, counterbalanced by plumper fruity sides.
Heart notes open to the tune of jasmine, violet, rose, Muguet, freesia, and finally the nutmeg which works the scent back on the masculine balance. For the base notes, you notice warm green tea, oakmoss, cedar, sandalwood, amber, and lastly white musk. The cedar and oakmoss anchor the base while the sweet amber and laundry musk neutralize the effort to let the woodsy notes take space. This scent goes on sweet and bright, moves into floral, and culminates into a clean musk that’s hard to hate.
Our Verdict:
This one remains one of the most popular choices in men’s cologne for working men, and is great wear for an entire day at work, with promising longevity of a full workday. A quick refresh can turn this into a day and night affair, keeping you company for a client dinner.
| Head Notes | Lemon, Mandarin, Bergamot, Pineapple, Cardamom, Papaya, Green tree accord |
| Heart Notes | Jasmine, Violet, Rose, Lily, Orris, Nutmeg, Freesia, Green tree accord |
| Base Notes | Green tea, Oakmoss, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Nutmeg, Musk, Amber, Green Tree accord |
| Longevity | Up to 8 hours |
Pros:
- Great Quantity
- High Longevity
- Both genders can use it
Cons:
- Bit Pricey
12. Diesel Only The Brave By Diesel For Men
Diesel’s Only The Brave really is only for the brave as it opens on powerfully citrusy head tones of lemon and mandarin, giving it a zesty start that is joined by a warm coriander leaf for balance.
The heart notes are more floral with a hint of herbs, as labdanum, violet and rosemary join the chorus within 15 minutes of application. As the initial notes subside, masculine base notes waft to the tone of amber and leather, with a woodsy finish of cedarwood. One of the most affordable scents for men, Only the Brave is a top-selling men’s cologne often bought as a gift that is well-loved and cherished.
Our Verdict:
Best one under 50, this scent is a winner year-round, but fall to spring time elevate the notes slightly more and we recommend for this to be worn in fall afternoons. The scent lasts decently for 6 to 8 hours, so it is perfect for a night out.
| Head Notes | Lemon, Mandarin, Coriander leaf |
| Heart Notes | Labdanum, Violet leaf, Rosemary |
| Base Notes | Cedarwood, Amber, Leather |
| Longevity | Up to 8 hours |
Pros:
- It is a great cologne to wear for special dinners
- Its staying power is long
- The larger size of bottle stays with you for a longer period of time
Cons:
- Nil
How to choose the Right Cologne for Men – Buyers Guide
It is never easy to figure out which is the top smelling cologne for yourself, especially if you are just starting out and want to figure out which of the many products out there suit your everyday needs. It can also be hard on the pocket – sometimes you need that ONE scent that will last you at work, play and party!
These perfume reviews are enough, but in case you are looking for something else, try this buying guide and it can save you bucks by not selecting the wrong cologne.
Colognes don’t work alone – they work with your body. Put the same scent on two people and give it 4-5 hours to settle down. In time, you’ll realize that the same scent has taken on an entirely different tone for both wearers! Here is the thing – what scent suits you, depends entirely on YOU, and it will take some solid hit and trial to narrow down to the products that best compliment your own natural body scent.
According to research, a man is naturally inclined towards a scent that is suitable for his natural body scent. That’s right, you will naturally know when a cologne is right for you. This is one of the reasons why even the best cologne on the market received as a gift rarely makes it to regular use for you. And people can like or dislike a scent, but when it’s ON you, it makes a difference.
Here is how you can select the right scent for yourself:
- Only try two scents on any given day! This is important. Any more than that and you won’t really be able to tell one from the other, and that’s only going to stall your decision.
- Spray one scent on your right wrist, and then another on your left wrist, being careful that you don’t mix both.
- Don’t use the cards in the store – that’s not how you will figure out what works for you
- Now, go on and smell the top notes on each cologne. Between the uses, use coffee beans to cleanse the palate, so you can tell the difference.
- Go back and forth on the two and see if you can pick out all of the top notes and how you feel about them – remember, when other people smell this, they will catch one or all of the top notes and you don’t want to be clueless.
- Now, wait. You know we were getting there. To let the heart and base notes take shape, you have to give this time.
- Smell the scents every ten minutes after the first 20 minutes pass by. The heart notes can appear anytime from 20 minutes to 2 hours of applications, depending on the product.
- As the day progresses, smell for the base notes. Notice how the scent smells on your skin throughout the day and how long it lasts.
- Do ask friends and family. As the scent settles in and has played with your biochemistry, their comments might help you understand what perception of yours this scent creates. This will also help you figure out how far away from you they can sense your scent, giving important information on scent “projection”, and how long it lasts.
- Finally, take a shower and head back to the store to try another two!
- When you have met your match, only then make the purchase!
- That said, multiple scents can complement you, depending on the time of the day or the season. Own multiple scents for different occasions, but make sure they all suit you.
Types of cologne/Fragrances (Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, Eau de Parfum, Parfum Extrait etc)
You may have heard the ages-old false claim that “Perfumes are for women, but colognes are for men”. It’s 2020, and many a novice still believes this claim to be true, but let me tell you that that is where fake news first began. Perfumes and colognes are entirely different things, and these two aren’t the only ones in the family. There are majorly five types of men’s fragrances and these are classified based on the strength of scent they offer.
1. Eau Fraiche:
This right here the weakest kind of scents. With only 1 to 3 percent perfume mixed with alcohol and water for the remaining consistency, these are the weakest in the family and last for only about an hour. These work well if you don’t want to commit to one scent for the entire day. You can head out for a short meeting wearing an Eau Fraiche, and free your palate for a different scent for the rest of the night.
2. Eau de Cologne:
Cologne’s aren’t only for men – any perfume that is 2 to 4 percent concentrated, more than Eau Fraiche but less than the other categories we will soon get into, qualifies as a cologne. A cologne can last up to 4 hours, 5 if it has got that quality, and wear off following that.
3. Eau de Toilette:
Stronger than a cologne, Eau de Toilette, are 5-15% perfume in concentration, diluted by alcohol and water. These tend to last up to 6 to 7 hours and are some of the most preferred choices for a scent as give you the best bang for your money.
4. Perfume:
Stronger than all categories but the parfum, perfumes are scents that last up to 8 to 9 hours. With about 10 to 20% concentrated with scent, these are one of the hard hitters and are perfect for you if you want to smell great throughout the day without having to refresh.
5. Parfum:
The strongest in the group, parfums can last for a whole 24 hours. The scent in these is 20-30% in concentration, and if used to profusely, these can actually make a rather negative statement. Too much, and you are an over the top guy coming off as tacky. Just the right amount of parfum can last you on a trans-continental flight.
Difference between winter and summer colognes
Not all colognes are made equal. While some can decisively last all year long, others are only suited to a particular season, or even time of the day, owing to the combination of notes it carries. Using the right cologne in the right season can make or break your statement, so it is important to know the difference between summer and winter colognes.
Colognes for different seasons differ in the concentration of scented oil contained in the base notes, and the fragrance family they tend to draw from. The body temperature is also part of the equation, and that is what controls how summer and winter scents are designed.
Summer Colognes:
Summer and Spring perfumes, like the season they are worn in, are meant to be lighter. Summer colognes carry a smaller concentration of the base notes, making the wearer smell airy and fresh rather heavily overwhelming. The fragrance families used to make lighter colognes for summers are also considered, and the heavy woody base notes are replaced with the fresh and oriental scents to complement the freshness of the season. As body temperature are higher, the scents evaporate faster and project farther, and heavier notes can, therefore, appear too much for anyone’s taste, which is another reason why summer scents are designed with lighter concentration.
Here is a complete list of Best Mens Colognes for Summer in 2020.
Winter Colognes:
Winter colognes can afford to be a little heavy-handed. Using base notes of woody oriental and woody notes, winter colognes usually contain a higher concentration of base notes. As the body temperature is lower, these notes remain muted and don’t cross the line into overwhelming scents territory. Using a lighter scent, on the other hand, can fall flat on its face with lesser detection than one would like.
This is not to say that you have to let go of your signature scent just because of the weather changes. If you want to stick to the one cologne that you love, try this: If it is a heavier scent, spritz only lightly in the summer and use it on just your wrists instead of all the recommended areas. You can also choose to wear it on your clothes only, as scents tend to have a lighter effect when worn on clothing instead of the skin. If your signature scent is light in nature, use a good helping during winter months. Wear it in all the recommended areas on the body, as well as slightly on your clothes.
Also check our Best Men’s Colognes for Fall and Winter list 2020. They have been picked to be used especially as winter colognes.
What is the Proper Way to Apply Mens Cologne?
Buying the perfect scent for yourself is not the end-all of landing the lottery in the scent department. Even the sexiest of men’s perfumes can only do so much for you if you wear them wrong. When worn correctly, a cologne can last you an entire day, and boost your confidence and attraction by miles. So how do you apply a cologne exactly right?
1. Cologne you are Using:
Is your cologne actually a “cologne” or you are falling trap to the ages-old misnomer that all scents for men are called cologne? It is essential to know which category of scent you are using for getting the best out of your preferred scent. Eau de Cologne (EDC) lasts for up to 4-5 hours only. An Eau de Toilette, or an Eau de Parfum, will last much, much longer. Make sure you choose a scent according to your required longevity and then apply it using the guide below:
2. Where to Apply Cologne:
Not many people know the correct way to wear a cologne. Colognes need to be applied to the “warmest” areas of the body, also known as the “pulse points”. This is where they get the energy to project into your surroundings and point you out as the source of the smell to your environment. This includes the neck, behind the ears, chest, wrists, shoulders, inner thighs and back of the knees, and inner elbows. Spray a little perfume on each wrist, and dab a little into the area just behind your ears. Use a light spray for the neck and inner elbows, and usually, that is good enough to give you the best out of your favorite cologne. If you want the scent to be more discernable, use the spray in the remaining areas as well, though that is not recommended lest the scent becomes overwhelming.
3. How to Apply Cologne:
Every movie has a scene where a girlfriend sprays the scent into the air and the guy walks through it. That is, let me tell you, just a waste of good cologne. That is not how a cologne is supposed to be applied.
4. Here is what you do:
Keep the nozzle about 3 – 6 inches away from point of application and spray. Don’t rub it into your skin, and try to use 2-4 spritz in recommended body parts only. Do it when you get out of the shower and before you dress, so the scent can start reacting with your body scent right away. Reapply to the wrists as the scent begins to wear off.
5. How to Store a Cologne:
Did you know that a scent can last longer and work better for you if it is stored well? Well, that is an essential topic on How to wear Colognes, because if they aren’t stored properly, they can begin to last shorter than when you purchased them.
Perfumes don’t last long when they undergo regular temperature changes throughout the day. Intermittent cooling and heating cause the perfumes to break down faster and affects their longevity. It is best to store them in places that are consistently cool and dry to ensure that they last long. Sunlight is also not a great friend, so avoid window sills or areas in the bathroom where you get sunlight. Store your cologne in a closet and wear it as per directions for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you make cologne last all-day
A cologne can last all of its projected time if it is worn as per the recommended practice for wearing colognes. Apply it to pulse points, don’t rub, and store the product well to get the longevity that is promised. Moisturizing your skin also helps scents to last longer.
2. How can you tell if cologne is real?
Look closely at the box. If it appears low quality, papery and has weird font or language, it is definitely fake. Apply the perfume to your skin and examine the scents. Fake scents generally don’t smell nice and balanced, and also wear off pretty quickly. As recommended, never buy a scent until you have tried it for full day wear.
3. Where should I store my cologne
Store your cologne in a dark, consistently cool and dry place. Perfumes that last long are stored away from sunlight and areas where temperature changes are regular.
4. Does heat affect cologne
Yes. Heat can break down the perfume faster, and alter its composition so that it is no longer wearable to the same results.
5. Does cologne change over time?
Yes, the composition of cologne can change over time as the chemicals in it begin to break down or evaporate, depending on how it’s stored. Some colognes don’t have an expiry date and can last very long, however, results can vary with use at 1 year or 10-year mark, depending on the chemical composition of the cologne. Good quality cologne lasts long, while cheap synthetic colognes can break down over a period of 1-2 years.
6. Does cologne evaporate?
Yes. Colognes are volatile substances and can evaporate if left open or not closed properly.
7. Why did my cologne turn brown?
A cologne can turn brown when it begins to go bad. When a cologne turns darker, it usually means that the composition of the perfume is beginning to break down and where it was stored was not appropriate. It is recommended to spray and check the scent before throwing the bottle away for good, as your nose is your best judge when it comes to a perfume going bad.