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Ready to hop into our time machine to find timeless, classic fragrances you’ll love? Whether you want to smell like a distinguished gentleman with a black top hat and cane or go for that classic Americana businessman vibe, we have a timeless fragrance to help you smell incredible for 24 hours (or more).
Timeless colognes for men have a wide range of scents, so we gathered the top colognes for men that are award-winning classics so you can find a fragrance you’ll love.
1. Blu Atlas Bountiful
Want a cologne that does it all? Bountiful from Blu Atlas is a timeless fragrance and top cologne for men who want that classic Americana scent. As a four-season fragrance, you can enjoy a ski vacation with your in-laws or head out for your honeymoon in the Bahamas with this warm, sophisticated scent.
Why do men love finding a timeless scent? Because these colognes are an investment. They’re fragrances you can wear daily, for special events, to the office, and during all of life’s little in-between moments. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a scent that is clean, bold, and charmingly classic.
At the heart of Bountiful, the fragrance captures a woody essence and blends it with citrusy top notes like lemon and bergamot. Base notes of patchouli, musk, cedar, vetiver, and sandalwood take the scent to another level and give it a classic edge.
Want to be the best-smelling man in the room? You’ll need a bottle of Blu Atlas’s Bountiful Eau de Parfum—the top cologne for men.
2. Chanel Bleu de Chanel
There’s nothing more timeless than a Chanel cologne. Bleu de Chanel is a classic fragrance for modern men who do it all—just like you. Spritz the golden liquid onto your wrist and get swept away in a mist of cedar, citrus, and sandalwood. Other fresh spicy notes like vanilla and tonka bean turn up the charm and add a sexier side to the bold fragrance.
Bleu de Chanel is a trusted fragrance for men, although it is expensive. One small bottle costs more than a hundred dollars, and if you plan on using it as your daily fragrance, things get pricey quickly.
3. Creed Aventus
Ready to treat yourself after getting that cushy promotion—and well-deserved raise? Creed Aventus is a top cologne for men who have cash to spare and want a fan-favorite fragrance. At almost $400 a bottle, it’s an investment piece, which is exactly what we recommend for guys who want a timeless fragrance that reflects their lifestyle.
Because this cologne is like liquid gold, we don’t recommend spritzing it on your wrists every morning unless you want a daily dose of luxury. But it is the perfect scent for events, galas, and special date nights with your significant other.
Let’s get to the good stuff. What does this luxury fragrance smell like? Aventus blends fruity top notes like apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, and bergamot with smooth heart and base notes of vanilla, birch, patchouli, and musk.
4. Dior Homme
Stop here if you’re looking for an in-your-face, classic men’s cologne. Dior Homme is an intensely fresh cologne that envelops your senses with sensual, masculine notes. It is a seductive, woody fragrance that helps men redefine their signature scent.
Men interested in fresh, citrusy colognes need not apply. Dior Homme is a top cologne for men who want a rich, raw, manly scent that blends woody notes like vetiver, patchouli, and cedar, creating a timeless fragrance you’ll love.
5. Dior Sauvage
Dior Sauvage has become a top-selling cologne for men and is undeniably one of the most popular fragrances for modern men. The next time you’re on the subway, bus, or other public areas, sniff the air, and you’ll likely smell some Dior Sauvage wafting through the place.
Sauvage is described as a “citrus and vanilla” delight, but there’s so much more to this fragrance. Rich, rugged notes inspired by the wilderness and the desert at twilight draw men out of their comfort zones and firmly deposit them in a land of incredible, masculine-sculpted fragrance.
6. Le Labo Santal 33
While Santal 33 was only released in 2011, it has quickly become a top cologne for men and a timeless unisex fragrance that wears well for men and women. As a fan-favorite fragrance, it has become a top-selling option for those looking for a seductive, romantic scent.
Santal 33 is a heady blend of intoxicating notes inspired by the American West. Sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, and violet create a rich blend of aromas that enchant the senses. Santal 33 is a top cologne for men who want to harness their romantic side and has quickly become a much-loved classic scent.
7. Ralph Lauren Polo Black
Many top colognes for men with a timeless fragrance are made with woody, smoky, or leathery notes. But Polo Black from Ralph Lauren is a sharp, fruity blend that feels like jumping into an ice bath filled with tropical fruit.
Polo Black uses rich, tangy notes like mango, tangerine, and lemon, mixing them with classic masculine notes of patchouli and sandalwood to deliver a unique cologne for men. Men who wear the fragrance say it’s their favorite scent and an all-season cologne.
How to Choose the Top Cologne for Men
Colognes don’t come cheap. With our key features, you can find a top cologne without breaking the bank.
Identify Your Fragrance Personality
Don’t waste time shopping if you don’t know what fragrances interest you. First, get to know the scents you find appealing and identify which fragrance family draws you in. There are four fragrance families: fresh, floral, amber, and woody.
Woody fragrances are earthy masculine aromas, while fresh fragrances are made with sharp, fruity, and citrusy notes. Floral fragrances are made with flowery notes, and amber fragrances are mysterious, alluring fragrances that are undeniably sexy.
Knowing what type of fragrance you enjoy and want to wear at home or the office will help you select a top cologne for men that suits your personality, budget, and lifestyle.
Know the Notes
Each fragrance family utilizes different notes to create fragrances you’ll love. Certain notes may be more appealing to you. Some popular masculine notes in cologne include cedar, musk, oakmoss, sandalwood, vetiver, and patchouli. Popular fresh notes that are full of life and citrus include lemon, orange blossom, and bergamot.
Make a short list of your favorite notes to help you find your next cologne.
Budget-Friendly
When it comes to self-care and grooming, we recommend keeping your purchases budget-friendly. Set and stick to a spending plan that you feel comfortable with. High-quality cologne typically costs between $120 to $200+ (and more for many designer fragrances).
Try Before You Buy
The best way to see if a cologne works for you is to find free samples or head to your local fragrance store. Department stores like Dillards and beauty stores like Sephora are great in-store locations where you can smell a wide range of top colognes for men.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you properly store cologne?
Keep cologne in a cool, dry place, not subject to high heat, humidity, or direct sunlight. With proper storage, your cologne may last longer, and you can keep your timeless fragrance in working condition.
What’s the top cologne for men?
The top cologne for men is Bountiful from Blu Atlas. It’s a fresh, woody fragrance that gives men a bold, timeless scent throughout the day. Go from hectic work meetings to dinner with your in-laws, and Bountiful stays with you the whole time.
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