Let's face it — most guys probably don't care what they smell like as long as women like it. I've had a multi-year love-hate relationship with Curve cologne because it smells like cotton-candy to me yet women come out of the woodwork to say how great it smells. For this article, I wanted to pick out some of the top 10 colognes you can wear to feel sexy...and women will agree.
EVERYDAY
Coach For Men Eau De Toilette
I love Coach For Men because it can be used as an everyday cologne as well as for special occasions without being too overpowering. It has an earthy base of vetiver with hints of suede. It is also a very affordable gift with the largest size being under $100!
COMPLIMENTS
Le Labo Santal 33
I bought Le Labo Santal 33 for my husband for our 25th wedding anniversary after smelling it on a gentleman while at a dinner party. This man got so many compliments on his cologne that he actually carried the bottle with him! My husband doesn’t do that, but he does get lots of nice comments on how he good he smells!
SUBTLE
Chanel Allure Homme
Chanel Allure Homme Sport is VERY subtle, smells like "home" to me and if I'm honest, I've been known to wear it myself. It smells different enough on everyone....and I always get compliments when I do wear it (again, not a big cologne or perfume fan, but this one deserves some respect, in my opinion, at least.
ATTRACTIVE
Bleu de Chanel
I come from a huge family of men... and I date a lot. I'm also nosy so I ask. Bleu de Chanel: Smells good in general, bold, but not overpowering. When it's melted and mixed in with the person's body temperature, it's subtle and attractive.
—Shin-Di Lai, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., RN
Website
SOPHISTICATED
Kenneth Cole Vintage Black
I love Vintage Black because it is simply sophisticated, not overpowering, and surprisingly versatile. The multi-dimensional cologne starts off with a sharp yet classy citrus smell but eventually fades into an intriguing oak and tequila scent. It's casual and modern but also professional, so it's perfect for any occasion.
— Samantha Morrison, Glacier Wellness and Instagram
SEXY
Calvin Klein Obsession for Men EDT
“It's almost over-powering but so confident and sexy” — Amy
Calvin Klein Obsession is the iconic sexy fragrance that burst onto the scene in the 90s and continues to be one of the best selling mens fragrances today. It's definitely not for the faint of heart but if you want to make an impression, spray this on. It's a sensual classic. Read my full review here.
OFFICE-FRIENDLY
Jimmy Choo Man Eau de Toilette Spray
“I bought this for my boyfriend as a joke since I love the shoes. But now I actually love the scent on him.” — Lisa
This is an interesting combination of scents with pineapple leaf, suede and lavender notes. I love the opening and it feels like a great daily cologne for the office or casual. My main complaint is just doesn't last very long so be prepared to reapply after 3 hours or so.
SUMMER TIME
Creed Millesime Imperial Spray
“It's how a guy should smell.” — Erin
Creed Millesime is a perfect scent for the warm, summer months when everything else feels too heavy and overbearing. Its salt air edge and sweet, summer melons are a well balanced pairing of scents. Definitely worth having in your collection.
NIGHT OUT
Calvin Klein Intense Euphoria
“My wife loves it and that's enough for me.” — Frank
This is an oriental cologne that blends amber, spices, and woodsy aromas. It's definitely a another bold statement cologne that doesn't shy away from being super sexy. Great pick for a date or evening out. Read my overview of the Calvin Klein fragrance line here.
FIRST DATE
Burberry Brit Rhythm
“It smells sexy but not over the top, like a nice first date cologne.” — Ericka
Burberry Brit Rhythm is a vibrant woodsy scent with notes of cedarwood, basil verveina, and leather. It's an interesting combination of freshness (basil verveina), comfort (cedar), and sensual (leather). Altogether it feels like a great cologne for a young guy out on a date where he wants to make a good impression but also hint at a little edginess.
BLACK TIE EVENT
Amouage Reflection Man
“If I had to guess what Richard Gere's character was wearing in Pretty Woman, it would be this. Appealing yet professional.” — Amy
I've never really strived to smell like a 1990s Richard Gere but Amy assured me it was a compliment. Unfortunately for her assessment, Reflection Man was released in 2007, about 17 years after the film. However I see her point. It's a woody, floral musk that feels formal and elegant like a black tie event.
THE CLASSIC
Boucheron Jaïpur Homme
“It's very charming. Not really sexy but more a comforting and friendly vibe” — Danielle
This is a classic, sweet vanilla scent with a spicy cinnamon opening. It also has some nice floral heart notes that feels a bit unisex and not overtly masculine. It also lasts FOREVER so if you have a long day ahead of you, this is a great pick. A classic, refined cologne.
VERSATILE
Terre d'Hermès
“I had to ask the IT guy at work what cologne he wore because he smelled good while fixing my laptop!” — Michelle
Terre d'Hermes is one of those great, versatile fragrances that could fit almost anywhere. It's a woody fragrance that's good for spring, fall and summer, professional or casual use. It's got a refined quality that makes me think it's more appealing for the 30+ crowd. Good wear to work fragrance.
PATCHOULI FANS
Rituals Sultan De Muscat
“My husband's date night perfume! I love this stuff.” — Lana
This is a cologne that's basically patchouli with a few woodsy and leather notes on the side. So evaluate your (or your date's) love of patchouli and proceed accordingly. Even though it's technically unisex, this feels like a very manly, warm scent to me. It's got moderate sillage and very long lasting.
CROWD PLEASER
Curve by Liz Claiborne for Men
“I don't know why I like it so much, it just smells so sweet and inviting.” — Anna
Of all the colognes in my collection, Curve is one of the cheapest and gets me by far the most compliments. Ironically it's a bit sweet for my taste, however if you're looking for a crowd-pleaser on a budget, try this one out.
Hopefully this list helps you find a fragrance that not only you enjoy wearing, but you get loads of compliments on as well. If you're still undecided, you might try finding a sample of your top picks to try them out.