What is the best way to apply cologne?

It's best to spritz it directly onto clean, dry skin—after a shower is ideal—targeting pulse points, such as inner wrists and neck. Hold the bottle three to six inches away from your skin and try not to exceed four pumps.

Do I need to buy new cologne for my wedding day?

Not if you don't want to! However, it's fun to experiment for special occasions. If you buy a new scent for the big day, then you’ll be reminded of this special memory every time you wear it after the celebration. Of course, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and at ease at your wedding—if you're going to try a new cologne, give it a few test runs ahead of the event so you can be sure it doesn't overwhelm.

14 Best Colognes for Men of 2023

Assortment of cologne outlined in white and displayed on a realistic textured background with white lines — Brides / Marcus Millan

Some men wear the same cologne for years—decades, even—and others swap their scent depending on their mood or the occasion. Whether you're shopping for a new scent to wear on the big day or you're buying a special gift, searching for a fragrance can be dizzying (and we mean that both literally and figuratively).

So, we tapped Celine Roux, Head of Global Fragrance at Jo Malone London, for tips on where to start your search for a signature scent. "Firstly, think whether you are looking for something fresh and uplifting or woody and warm—this will naturally steer your choice," says Roux. "In general, I would say it’s always good to have freshness within the scent.”

To help you find your ideal scent for the wedding day and beyond, we scoured the web and researched the best options available online. We determined our final selection based on each cologne’s longevity, freshness, ingredients, value, and overall quality.

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ

Sephora

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Bleu de Chanel has everything you want in a cologne: freshness and longevity. It's crisp, refined, and elegant, yet it plays to modern styles and scents. It's not too musky, either. Instead, it boasts a woody cedar undertone with lingering traces of grapefruit, making it a fresh, clean-smelling option. The scent itself is also very strong, meaning that one spray can last the entire day—from the altar to the afterparty.

Price at time of publish: $125

Who It’s For

This tantalizing scent is perfect for the man who appreciates classic and refined tastes, thanks to its eclectic combination of woody and fresh aromas. It’s also ideal for a guy on the go. Since one spritz of this formula is strong enough to last all day, you’ll never have to worry about reapplying—an especially handy asset on your wedding day!

Volume: 3.4 oz | Notes: Grapefruit, dry cedar, sandalwood | Style: Fresh, clean, woody

Amazon

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We don't know what's cooler, the beautiful Art Deco–style bottle or the addition of mint in this fresh and tropical scent. Infused with orange, Italian lemon zest, green apple, tonka beans, amber, woody vanilla, vetiver, and moss, this fusion of scents wears well in the summer but is a pretty universal cologne overall. A few spritzes of this will last all day. Plus, it layers well with other colognes if you want to mix and match your scents.

Price at time of publish: $93

Who It’s For

If you prefer fresh and fruity scents over musky ones, opt for this Versace concoction. It’s perfect for outdoor wedding ceremonies, whether you’re tying the knot in a garden or at the beach. Since it’s easily paired with other fragrances, this option is also great for men who like to experiment with their signature scents.

Volume: 6.7 oz | Notes: Orange, lemon zest, green apple, tonka beans, amber, vanilla | Style: Fresh, tropical

Gucci

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This designer pick from Gucci is a true work of art, from the lacquered glass bottle to the warming, cozy scent. With notes of cedar, cypress, and nutmeg, along with woody undertones of patchouli and vetiver swirling inside, this scent from Gucci's Haute perfumery line is luxury at its best. It's designed to layer with the other fragrances in the line, so you can build your very own custom scent.

Price at time of publish: $384

Who It’s For

This is perfect for the guy who appreciates the finer things in life and likes to invest in high-end products that will last—and make a lasting impression. Plus, the warm notes make this fragrance both inviting and elegant.

Volume: 3.3 oz | Notes: Cedarwoods, cypress, nutmeg, patchouli | Style: Woodsy, warm

Amazon

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As the name suggests, Tom Ford's Tuscan Leather merges leather and suede with notes of jasmine for a sensual and sophisticated scent. Plus, the addition of saffron warms things up even further. A little goes a long way with this cologne, and it lasts for hours on end. We also love the brown bottle that's carved to mimic the shape of a chess piece, which will look great displayed on the bathroom counter. From the scent to the bottle, this Tom Ford fragrance is at once refined and masculine.

Price at time of publish: $295

Who It’s For

Leather, jasmine suede, and saffron—this scent was made for the men who love embracing their masculinity. Its warm undertones create an alluring finish that’s sure to impress.

Volume: 1.7 oz | Notes: Cedarwoods, cypress, nutmeg, patchouli | Style: Woodsy, warm

Amazon

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Aptly named, this aquatic cologne is a breath of fresh air. Fusing clean bergamot with sensual vetiver and a touch of elegance via iris, this classy blend is great for everyday wear. It's great for layering with other colognes if you want to experiment. It lasts for hours on the skin, so you can expect to smell this in the morning and at the end of your day.

Price at time of publish: $115

Who It’s For

This fragrance offers a light and airy scent, so it isn't too overpowering. Therefore, it works well for those who prefer a more subtle and relaxed scent.

Volume: 3.3 oz | Notes: bergamot essence, pink essence, iris absolu, sage essence, vetiver essence, tonka bean | Style: Leathery, water

Amazon

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This whiskey-colored cologne bottles the smell of a dimly lit jazz club billowing with cigar smoke and decorated with leather chairs. Warm and spicy, it boasts notes of pink pepper, rum, and tobacco. We love that it works as a unisex cologne, and it will garner a lot of compliments when you wear it. While it doesn’t have a super long-lasting effect, it does also come in a convenient travel size if you want to take it on the go to reapply.

Price at time of publish: $160

Who It’s For

Perfect for fall or winter weddings, this scent is ideal for those who are partial to woody and spicy aromas. This intriguing scent would be right at home at a ceremony with the backdrop of evergreen trees.

Volume: 3.8 oz. | Notes: Pink pepper, lemon, neroli oil, tobacco, vanilla bean | Style: Dark, smooth, intimate

Amazon

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This sophisticated fragrance makes its mark right from the start with a trio of fresh notes, bergamot, ginger, and apple at its core. Juniper berries and geranium add to the freshness, while vanilla tonka bean gives it a hint of sweetness. Finally, sage and a big dose of amber give this blend a warm, woody feel. It has great longevity on the skin, and the nozzle sprays a generous amount, so one spritz is all you need.

Price at time of publish: $148

Who It’s For

The eclectic mix of intoxicating notes in this blend can work well for just about anyone. With hints of freshness, warmth, citrus, and sweetness all in one spritz, this bold fragrance will appeal to men with versatile tastes.

Volume: 3.3 oz. | Notes: Apple, sage, vetiver, tonka bean | Style: Citrus

Amazon

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The epitome of a modern yet classic, Sauvage is a spicy, fresh scent sure to grab the attention of anyone you pass. This warm blend of amber and cedar, topped with pepper and lavender undertones is unique yet sure to be a fan favorite for years to come. Plus, it's not too overpowering but still lasts long on the skin.

Price at time of publish: $180

Who It’s For

This fragrance is made for men who aren’t afraid to push their boundaries and try something modern and new. The potent blend leaves a fresh yet unexpected impression, ideal for the groom who wants to make a statement on his big day.

Volume: 2 oz. | Notes: Grapefruit, heart of spices, lavender, rich woods | Style: Citrus, wood, spice

Nordstrom

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This blend of juniper, cedarwood, and spicy black pepper exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication. Bold yet fresh, this cologne was created by creative director Riccardo Tisci and is truly an icon in itself. It generally lasts a few hours on the skin, but if you want all-day wear from this scent you will need to reapply. Still, it's not overpowering and great to wear every day.

Price at time of publish: $128

Who It’s For

The vibrant freshness combined with the invigorating notes of black pepper and cedarwood make this masculine fragrance perfect for the guy who’s always looking for his next adventure—whether it's planning his next big trip or experimenting with his style. This strong scent will satisfy his craving for something exciting and new.

Volume: 3.3 oz. | Notes: Bergamot, cedarwood, black pepper, juniper | Style: Woody, aromatic, fresh

Amazon

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Gracing the necks of men everywhere since 1996, this modern classic is one of those scents that works all the time. Musk combines with bergamot, neroli, rosemary, and patchouli to create an ultra-fresh and aquatic aroma, in the best way. Inspired by the freshness and warmth of the Mediterranean Sea, a few spritzes of this is sure to leave you joyful and relaxed.

Price at time of publish: $110

Who It’s For

The aquatic-inspired scent isn't too overpowering, making it a great option for those who find themselves sensitive to potent smells. And while it offers a light scent, it is still very long-lasting. So you can trust that it will work from the altar to the afterparty.

Volume: 3.4 oz. | Notes: Calabrian bergamot, cedarwood | Style: Clean, fresh, aquatic

Amazon

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While bright and citrus scents most often describe more feminine fragrances, this lively Hermès fragrance was designed with "the contemporary man" in mind. Featuring notes of clary sage, narcissus, and rosewood, it's perfect for spring and summer. However, the warming rosewood makes it a year-round favorite, too. If you aren't someone who likes to wear the same scent days in a row, this one may change your mind. It's long-lasting and perfectly unique for everyday wear.

Price at time of publish: $120

Who It’s For

If you’re hosting a spring or summer wedding, look no further than this bright and invigorating scent. Created to form a “daring blend between nature and technology,” this woody yet fresh fragrance is sure to satisfy your senses.

Volume: 3.3 oz. | Notes: Sage, narcissus, rosewood | Style: Woody, aromatic

Amazon

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Crisp and fresh at the top, thanks to green apple and bergamot, this musky scent is sophisticated yet suitable for everyday wear. It's also injected with cardamom and cinnamon, which gives it a warmth that wears well as the day goes on. Still, it's not overpowering, so it's great for those sensitive to strong smells. Overall, it's a cologne you can rely on for any occasion, including your wedding day.

Price at time of publish: $146

Who It’s For

Rich, woody, and spicy, this intriguing scent by Hugo Boss is perfect for a fall wedding set in the woods. The outdoorsy aromas complement the musky undertones, which is ideal for the type of guy who likes to spend his free time—and his wedding day—exploring outside.

Volume: 3.38 oz. | Notes: Vetiver, grapefruit, cardamom chords | Style: Earthy, Citrus

Celine

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Formulated for a night out (think date nights, nighttime wedding receptions, and honeymoon outings), Celine's Black Tie is an impeccably tailored fragrance. Composed of orris butter, cedar, tree moss, and vanilla, it strikes just the right balance between musky and sweet. This unisex cologne will last for hours, making it well worth the high price tag.

Price at time of publish: $280

Who It’s For

There’s a reason they call this scent “Black Tie.” It’s perfect for formal occasions! If you’re hosting a fancy black tie wedding, look no further than this luxurious fragrance.

Volume: 3.34 oz. | Notes: Orris butter, cedar, tree moss, vanilla| Style: Sweet, warm

Nordstorm

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Escape city life and be transported to the Mojave Desert with this evocative scent. At first, it gives off notes of amber, violet, and magnolia. As the alluring blend is worn throughout the day, heady notes of musk and amber emerge. While it's on the subtle side of scents, it's still strong enough to garner plenty of compliments from anyone passing by. It's great for both everyday wear and for special occasions.

Price at time of publish: $290

Who It’s For

Made for the man who prefers a natural, woody scent, this fragrance is inspired by the rare ghost flower, which thrives all year round despite the dryness of the Mojave Desert.

Volume: 3.4 oz. | Notes: amber, violet, magnolia, amber, chantilly musk, cedarwood | Style: Woody

What to Look for in Men’s Cologne

Scent Preference and Skin Type: A personal fragrance is so, well, personal. The truth is, there are no hard and fast rules when selecting a cologne. It all comes down to what smells right to you and what wears best on your skin. That's right, the same fragrance can smell different on your skin as it does on another person. First, decide if you'd rather lean into a woody or more fresh scent. Roux recommends trying a range of colognes, saying most people avoid certain fragrances due to a single ingredient, but the blend can be completely unexpected. "Try opposite fragrances on each arm, leaving them to settle on your skin," she suggests. "See how these scents develop and you will naturally be drawn to one.
Longevity: It's also a good idea to consider how long scents are made to last–do you want something that lasts all day or a fragrance that only smells for a few hours between spritzes? For a fragrance that lasts all day long with just one spray, opt for the Chanel Bleu De Chanel Eau De Toilette Spray. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, go with the Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Toilette. If you're not sure what the best scent is for you, it's also smart to test out fragrances at a department store counter or boutique. Just don't try too many at once—take breaks with fresh air and a whiff of coffee beans, which are said to help reset and neutralize smells.

FAQ

What is the best way to apply cologne?

It's best to spritz it directly onto clean, dry skin—after a shower is ideal—targeting pulse points, such as inner wrists and neck. Hold the bottle three to six inches away from your skin and try not to exceed four pumps.
Do I need to buy new cologne for my wedding day?

Not if you don't want to! However, it's fun to experiment for special occasions. If you buy a new scent for the big day, then you’ll be reminded of this special memory every time you wear it after the celebration. Of course, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and at ease at your wedding—if you're going to try a new cologne, give it a few test runs ahead of the event so you can be sure it doesn't overwhelm.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Stephanie Montes has been testing the latest trends in skincare, hair, and makeup and exploring all things current in clothes and accessories for over 10 years. For this article, she researched a wide variety of popular men’s fragrances, selecting only the highest-quality options. She also spoke with a highly experienced expert for their insight and tips: