What does your cologne say about you?
It's important for men new to colognes to find a fragrance that not only smells good but fits their personality and the occasion. Scent is deeply intertwined in our memory and very little is as evocative as our sense of smell. A man's fragrance should act as an extension of his personal style.
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Since it's often overwhelming to pick out a fragrance, we've organized our list by personality type and occasion so whether you want something for the weekend, the club, work or school, you'll find it here.
The Artisan: John Varvatos Artisan
Description:
The woven aesthetic represents the art of craftsmanship with a modern edge. This cologne is a citrus fragrance that creates a masculine impression. The spicy, floral blend features top notes of tangelo, Sicilian Clementine, Mexican winter mandarin orange, wild thyme, marjoram and Greek lavender, mid notes of North African orange tree blossom, Indian Murraya, Nigerian ginger absolute, Chinese ginger roots and purple ginger, base notes of Georgywood, ambry belambre, kephalis and serenolide.
Evan's Verdict:
I just love this one. It's a good price point for a quality cologne that doesn't smell like anything else. This is a smooth, modern and powerful blend perfect for the hard-working artisan who sees the beauty in life. This is a strong, masculine scent that doesn't feel overbearing.
Going Day into Night: Burberry Touch for Men
Description:
This scent is presented in a clear glass bottle and promises to be a fresh manly scent that embodies masculinity. The refreshing fragrance features dynamic top notes of Artemisia, sun-drenched mandarin tree, and aqueous violet leaves. Heart notes of nutmeg, Virginia cedar wood and white pepper that adds warmth. A woody aroma of vetiver combined with the soft musk of tonka beans provides a rich depth.
Blake's Verdict:
This is a clean smelling fragrance that lasts up to eight hours. I didn't notice after a couple hours but kept getting complimented quite a lot around the office. Since it lasts so long, it is perfect for wearing it to work and then continuing on for a night out.
Sexy Date Night: Creed Aventus
Designed for the passionate man, whether his passion lies in his career or romance. The scent is a blend of oriental, botanicals and rare woods that is intense and provocative. Top notes- mandarin, bergamot, mid notes- lavender, myrrh and spices, base notes- musk, sandalwood, and patchouli.
Evan's Verdict:
When wearing this fragrance, customers have commented on how many compliments they receive. This cologne is perfect for dates, or the kind of man who is intense in all he does.
The Outdoorsman:LOccitane Eau des Bavx
Description:
The knights from Les Baux in Provence, France chose a cypress to represent their cause. It symbolized strength and honor, and this is where this cologne draws its uniquely outdoorsy scent. L'Occitane created Eau de Baux in honor of their courage. They created a fragrance that is a sensuous blend of cade wood and pink pepper for the manly outdoorsy type of man.
Summary:
From noble origins, this cologne makes quite the impact on modern audiences. Customers rave about the scent and strongly recommend it. This is the type of gift that is perfect for the man who spends his time hiking or generally just being manly.
The Fitness Buff: Lacoste Essential Sport
Description:
Lacoste Essential Sport cologne is all about the freedom of play and the enjoyment of life. The scent evokes the thrill of victory in the blend of geranium, green splash accord, and pink grapefruit. This is a refreshing scent that embodies freedom and fluidity.
Summary:
Pair with a Brut-esque deodorant to last longer but is an overall winner. This is perfect for a free spirit who enjoys the thrill of the game and is constantly on the move.
Life of the Party: CK One
Description:
CK One is a fragrance that screams purity, unity, and freshness. The scent utilizes a wide array of different blends to create Calvin Klein's revolutionary unisex fragrance. Top notes: green notes, pineapple, papaya, mandarin orange, cardamom, bergamot, and lemon. Heart notes: violet, nutmeg, orris root, lily-of-the-valley, jasmine, and rose. Base notes: sandalwood, musk, amber, cedar, and oakmoss.
Evan's Verdict:
To me, this will always be the ultimate clubbing fragrance. It just smells like fun and an all-night dance party. What's really nice for young men (or people, since it's unisex) it's so versatile. The citrus makes me think summer but it's really one you can wear in all seasons and for a wide range of occasions.
The Professional: Montblanc Individual
Description:
Individuel by Mont Blanc is the refined and independent man who takes on the world and makes a success out of all of his endeavors. It is for the distinguished man who fears nothing and is absolutely professional and brings to mind all the romanticism of a Homme individual.
Blake's Verdict:
This cologne is great based solely on the freshness of the scent. I heard it described as the freshness of Creed's Original Santal with floral hints. This make it a bit sweeter and more appealing for young guys. The smell lingered all day and I'd say it's perfect for a professional environment.
The Connoisseur : Jack Black Blue Mark
Description:
The sparkling infusion of watermint and bergamot blended with lighter hints of Japanese Juniper and ginger essence combined with splashes of vetiver and thyme is delightfully fresh. The finest essential oils were used and expertly blended to produce this cologne that is a bracing fragrance for the distinguished man.
Summary:
This is an all-day scent that lasts from bathroom to boardroom and finds the perfect balance to avoid being over or underwhelming. The cologne scores great feedback and is a favorite among professionals if it is your aim to stay fresh and smell good all day long, then this is the perfect fragrance for you.
Lazy Weekend: Burberry Weekend
Description:
Burberry Weekend for men is an invigorating fragrance with citrus top notes of lemon, sweet tangerine and grapefruit. Heart notes of oak moss, sandalwood, and ivy leaves. Radiant amber, honey, and musk compose the base notes to create an elegant scent.
Summary:
How do other customers describe this product? Two words: loved it. It is the perfect scent for the man who doesn't take himself seriously and is completely unpretentious.
The Family Man: Calvin Klein Eternity
Description:
What is a classic? Classic is refined, distinctive and timeless. Classic is Eternity by Calvin Klein. This scent is a reflection of the classy man with clear values: family, work, health, and happiness.
Top notes- mandarin, lavender, and green botanicals, mid notes- basil, geranium and sage, base notes- sandalwood, rosewood, and amber.
Summary:
This is a smooth, modern and powerful blend perfect for the hard-working artisan who sees the beauty in life. This is a strong, masculine scent that resonates with users.
Conclusion
If you're picking out your first fragrance or your 100th, the good thing is there's no right answers choosing a cologne that fits the occasion, your personality and style is the main thing. All these are good, solid choices as you learn more about what colognes you like.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.