In this extensive ultimate guide, I have selected the most important and the best men’s fragrances of all time.
Having a holy grail scent can be a powerful thing. Your personal signature scent, one that makes people remember you, can create powerful emotions in people around you.
Choosing the right perfume can be not so easy task when you consider an abundant amount of options out there. Being the retail shops, perfumery boutiques, or online webshops.
Options are unlimited and finding something that would fit your attire, personality, and ever-changing mood, well, you don’t want to make a mistake when it comes to a personal fragrance.
This article takes its readers with the utmost respect and already assumes that you know the perfume basics.
I believe that you already know that the difference between aftershave, eau de cologne, eau de toilette, Eau de parfum, and parfum extract is in their perfume oil concentrations.
Ranging from less than 5%(aftershave and EDC) to 40% found in perfume extracts. Lesser concentrations tend to last shorter and project more moderately, than fragrances composed of more perfume oils.
The line between projection and performance seems to blur and intertwine even more, as modern fashion trends favor moderately projecting scents.
I have decided to take a little twist on this important topic, and offer you fragrances that are also relevant, put them in categories, offer both designers and niche scents, and give you alternatives as well.
Hopefully, this will make your decision on buying a great scent for yourself, or for your better half much easier. Thank you for reading the ultimate list which was created Part 1 for Designers on the first page, and Part 2 for Niche on the second page, so make sure to check them both.
Let’s start.
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How To Make A Smart Decision With Your Next Purchase Or Gift
Due to the 30 listed fragrances mentioned in this article, making a smart purchasing decision couldn’t get any easier.
New and evergreen masterpiece fragrances, everything is here to suit man’s taste in fine perfumery. Just as in movies, some men may like Pulp Fiction while others like The Grand Budapest Hotel.
One more neat thing you can do before deciding is a particular fragrance for you, is to check out the Official Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.
By using this guide, you save time, and money, and make better decisions related to perfume. So, why don’t you check it out by downloading it via the download link below.
So, to make the smart and right decision let’s check out what is the difference between the designers and niche, and in case you decide to do so, how to start a perfume collection.
The difference between designer and niche fragrances
There are quite a few factors that divide these perfume styles which I have covered in the Designer Vs Niche Fragrances article, and here are some key points:
DESIGNER FRAGRANCES
- Made by well-known beauty brands such as Dior and Chanel
- Mass-produced mainstream fragrances released for a more wide audience
- More affordable, and often easier to “digest”
- More trendy and ideal for casual fragrances lovers
NICHE FRAGRANCES
- Made by companies that produce fragrances exclusively
- Targeted to a niche audience that is smaller and more demanding
- Can be more expensive and polarizing
- They tend to come in a more expensive and higher-quality presentation
Often a great conversation starter in the fragrance world, designers and niche can be only good or bad. Although some may like one perfumery style over another, there are more than enough masterful creations on both sides of the specter.
One more neat way to extend knowledge about fragrances is to read books, and you can find Best Books About Perfumes covered in the Scent Grails article.
How to start a perfume collection
Purchasing all 30 of the mentioned fragrances would make you a profound fragrance collector. You may have asked yourself how many fragrances should a man own.
Or, what is the most attractive smell to a man? Thankfully, there is a right and wrong way to all of this.
The right way of experiencing a fragrance should take time to understand the composition and to open your olfactive palette without jumping to the next buy straight away.
If the fragrance purchase is destined for you or as a gift for someone close to you, to get to know more about the perfume collection side of things, check out the Perfume Collection article.
Best Men’s Fragrances: Designers
These fifteenth-best men’s fragrances range from affordable to pricey, old, and new. Yet, each one is worth checking out.
While some you may recognize straight away, some may be new to you. One brand that I have decided to keep on the designer list is Guerlain.
That’s because of the mentioned fragrance affordability, and the fact that they have a much pricier line. On the other side of things, you’ll find Tom Ford’s Private Bend Line on the niche side of the list.
This is due to the same reasons, although Tom Ford is a full-fledged fashion designer. Yet, their Private Blend Line competes only with niche brands.
At first glance, you may notice that a few of the timeless classics have not made the main list. That’s because some of them have modern interpretations which brought these fragrances into the modern age.
Still, they can be found under the alternatives category in each fragrance description.
1. Christian Dior Eau Sauvage Parfum (Timeless Classic)
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Woody
- Perfumer: Francois Demachy
- Perfume Concentration: Extract
- Release Date: 2017
- Main Notes: Bergamot, Vetiver, and Elemi
- Longevity and Projection: 10 – 12 hours with a huge projection
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Age group: 30+
- Occasions: Leisure and Business
- Alternatives: Dior Eau Sauvage, Dior Homme Cologne, Muelhens 4711
Short Review: Eau Sauvage Parfum takes the best parts from the classic 1966 release and brings it to the 21st century. A bright bergamot opening is followed by a smooth vetiver heart, which leads the fragrance into an elegant and resinous elemi base.
2. Yves Saint Laurent Kouros (Timeless Classic)
Short Review: Inspired by Greek mythology and ancient Gods, Kouros is a fragrance that celebrates everlasting masculinity and adventurous spirit. An unforgettable musky aroma trail sets apart this masterpiece from any other perfume.
- Fragrance Type: Aromatic Musk
- Perfumer: Pierre Bourdon
- Perfume Concentration: EDT
- Release Date: 1981
- Main notes: Musk, Leather, and Honey
- Longevity and Projection: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Any Season
- Age group: 30+
- Occasions: Leisure and Business
- Alternatives: Azzaro pour Homme, Paco Rabanne pour Homme, Ralph Lauren for Men
3. Guerlain Habit Rouge (Timeless Classic)
Short Review: Best known as the first oriental men’s fragrance in perfumery created as a tribute to the dressage of horses. A timeless classic for a man of refined taste and worldly views.
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Oriental
- Perfumer: Jean-Paul Guerlain
- Perfume Concentration: EDT
- Release Date: 1965
- Main notes: Lemon, Rose, Vanilla
- Longevity and Projection: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Spring and Fall
- Age group: 30+
- Occasions: Romantic and Business
- Alternatives: Guerlain Shalimar, Guerlain Habit Rouge EDP, Chanel Egoiste
4. Christian Dior Fahrenheit (Timeless Classic)
Short Review: Smelling classic and modern at the same time, Fahrenheit still stands as one of the best perfume creations. The fragrance opens up with an intoxicating smell of violet which gives it that signature “gasoline” accord. As the scent dives into the base, the aroma is smoothened out by the expensive leather finish.
- Fragrance Type: Floral Leather
- Perfumer: Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Michel Almairac
- Perfume Concentration: EDT
- Release Date: 1988
- Main notes: Violet, Leather, and Musk
- Longevity and Projection: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Age group: 30+
- Occasions: Romantic and Business
- Alternatives: Tom Ford Ombre Leather, Chanel Antaeus, Armani Code
5. Tom Ford Grey Vetiver (Versatile Office Fragrance)
Short Review: Perfect for any situation, clean and slightly formal. Grey Vetiver opens up with zesty citrus and dry downs to quite unexpected and smooth vetiver. Ideal for a professional setting and is wearable and equally good by any man, young and old.
- Fragrance Type: Woody Citrus
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Concentration: EDP
- Release Date: 2009
- Main notes: Grapefruit, Vetiver, and Woods
- Longevity and Projection: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Any season
- Age group: 20+
- Occasions: Business and Leisure
- Alternatives: Lalique Encre Noire Extreme, Guerlain Vetiver
6. Prada L’Homme (Versatile Office Fragrance)
Short Review: L’homme is a new pillar fragrance from the luxury Prada house. Clean and soapy, and fits a professional setting. Neroli and Iris provide freshness and the scent profile of “clean sheets”. The fragrance lasts quite a bit and is sure to get you some positive attention.
- Fragrance Type: Floral Woody
- Perfumer: Daniela Andrier
- Perfume Concentration: EDT
- Release Date: 2016
- Main notes: Amber, Neroli, and Iris
- Longevity and Projection: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Any season
- Age group: 20+
- Occasions: Business and Leisure
- Alternatives: Prada Amber, Montblanc Individuel, Versace pour Homme
7. Hermès Terre d’Hermes (Modern Classic)
Short Review: Often cited as the best designer released in the 21st century, Terre d’Hermes should be in every man’s fragrance collection. This fragrance is a metaphor and an ode to Mother Earth with its citrus(Orange) and spicy(Black Pepper) bitterness, and earthy woodiness(Vetiver).
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Woody
- Perfumer: Jean-Claude Ellena
- Perfume Concentration: EDT
- Release Date: 2006
- Main notes: Orange, Vetiver, and Pepper
- Longevity and Projection: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Spring and Fall
- Age group: 30+
- Occasions: Business and Leisure
- Alternatives: Terre d’Hermes Eau Tres Fraiche, Lalique Encre Noire, Guerlain Vetiver Extreme
8. Christian Dior Dior Homme Intense (Modern Classic)
Short Review: This is a perfume that you wear for yourself and for the sake of art. Dior created this legendary perfume with buttery Iris as the main focus. As the fragrance dry downs from aromatic lavender opening, to Iris’s heart, it transcends the popular trends and stands in a league of its own.
- Fragrance Type: Floral Woody
- Perfumer: Francois Demachy
- Perfume Concentration: EDP
- Release Date: 2011
- Main notes: Iris, Musk, and Lavender
- Longevity and Projection: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Age group: 25+
- Occasions: Romantic, Festive, and Clubbing
- Alternatives: Dior Homme, Givenchy Gentleman EDP, Valentino Uomo
9. Giorgio Armani Aqua di Gio Profumo (Warm Weather Fragrance)
Short Review: ADG Profumo is the successor to the most-sold men’s fragrance of all time. Ideal for spring and summer, it can be worn either during the daytime or nighttime. The mysterious incense note combined with fresh sea accord creates a powerful aura around you.
- Fragrance Type: Aromatic Aquatic
- Perfumer: Alberto Morillas
- Perfume Concentration: EDP
- Release Date: 2015
- Main notes: Incense, Sea Notes, and Bergamot
- Longevity and Projection: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Spring and Summer
- Age group: No age limit
- Occasions: Leisure, Romantic, and Business
- Alternatives: Acqua di Gio pour Homme, Issey Miyake L’eau D ‘Issey, Davidoff Cool Water
10. Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum (Warm Weather Fragrance)
Short Review: The most wearable perfume on the planet, and a perfume line that started a “blue fragrance” trend. BDC opens up with sparkly citrus combined with hot and spicy ginger. Sandalwood, amber, and cedar make the uplifting and rich base.
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Woody
- Perfumer: Jacques Polge
- Perfume Concentration: EDP
- Release Date: 2014
- Main notes: Ginger, Grapefruit, and Incense
- Longevity and Projection: 6 -8 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Spring and Summer
- Age group: 20+
- Occasions: Any Occasion
- Alternatives: Versace Eau Fraiche, ADG Profundo, Nautica Voyage, D&G Light Blue Intense
11. Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum (Cold Weather Fragrance)
Short Review: The One opens up with seductive grapefruit as it transitions into warm and spicy ginger and cardamom heart. It’s an addictive and intoxicating base created from tobacco, amber, and cedar accords.
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Oriental
- Perfumer: Olivier Polge
- Perfume Concentration: EDP
- Release Date: 2015
- Main notes: Giner, Tobacco, and Amber
- Longevity and Projection: 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Age group: 25+
- Occasions: Romantic, Business, and Leisure
- Alternatives: D&G The One EDT, Boss Bottled Intense EDP, Burberry London
12. Mugler A*Men Pure Havane (Cold Weather Fragrance)
Short Review: Pure Havane opens up with a cherry tobacco note backed up with delicious honey and vanilla in the background. The fragrance makes an unexpected twist with cacao in the middle stage which blends perfectly with patchouli in the base.
- Fragrance Type: Sweet Oriental
- Perfumer: Jacques Huclier
- Perfume Concentration: EDT
- Release Date: 2011
- Main notes: Vanilla, Tobacco, and Honey
- Longevity and Projection: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Age group: 25+
- Occasions: Romantic, and Clubbing
- Alternatives: Mugler Pure Malt, JPG Le Male, Tom Ford Noir Extreme
13. One Million Prive (Date and Clubbing Fragrance)
Short Review: The more mature brother of its original, and more refined. Prive starts with sweet Mandarin. Cinnamon follows before the heart of tobacco and myrrh. The buttery tonka bean charmingly makes a delightful base note which rounds up that recognizable one million scent profile.
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Oriental
- Perfumer: Christophe Raynaud
- Perfume Concentration: EDP
- Release Date: 2016
- Main notes: Cinnamon, Tonka, and Tobacco
- Longevity and Projection: 10 – 14 hours with great projection
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Age group: 20+
- Occasions: Date and Clubbing
- Alternatives: One Million EDT, Spicebomb Extreme, JPG Ultra Male, Versace Eros
14. Christian Dior Sauvage (Casual Fragrance)
Short Review: First opening on peppery bergamot, Sauvage transitions to aromatic lavender and clean patchouli. This transition doesn’t last long as we encounter fresh and sparkly ambroxan at the base.
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Aromatic
- Perfumer: Francois Demachy
- Perfume Concentration: EDT
- Release Date: 2015
- Main notes: Amrboxan, Pepper, and Bergamot
- Longevity and Projection: 12 – 14 hours with great projection
- Seasons: Any season
- Age group: 18+
- Occasions: Any Occasion
- Alternatives: Luna Rossa Carbon, Versace Dylan Blue, Montblanc Explorer
15. Tom Ford Black Orchid (Compliment and Special Occasion Fragrance)
Short Review: Black orchid opens up with effervescent citrus and orchid notes. Incredibly distinctive truffle note joins up in the mid and transitions to the unforgettable chocolate base.
- Fragrance Type: Floral Oriental
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Concentration: EDP
- Release Date: 2006
- Main notes: Chocolate, Truffle, and Orchid
- Longevity and Projection: 12 – 16 hours with great projection
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Age group: 25+
- Occasions: Special, and Romantic
- Alternatives: La Nuit de l’homme, Bvlgari Man in Black, CH Men Prive, Prada Amber Intense
NEXT PAGE (NICHE LIST: 16 – 30)
Very interesting and informative. Early on I was wearing after shaves, then ‘graduated’ to longer lasting colognes. Now primarily EDTs. Since 1985, in southern California, and now in Connecticut, “Is that your cologne?” (Paul Sebastian), “You smell good”,(Perry Ellis 360) “Wow, I can still smell your cologne—and you haven’t put any more on” (Royal Copenhagen). Those three comments were from a young lady in a large office building elevator on Wilshire Boulevard, a lady at the VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT. also in an elevator, and our department secretary in the hall in Marina del Rey, California. There were 3 others, while wearing ? Floret (the label came off some time ago), Vision by Gabriella Sabatini (?), and a manly scent, the name of which now escapes me. The older fragrances, in smaller bottles, were more intense, with better sillage. You’re not going to believe this but I now have on my bathroom shelf, table, and closet, 119 fragrances. I suppose you could call it an addiction. I thought at one point of having my own personal fragrance made, by a company that produces those, and we have Carrubba, the company that produces scents I suppose, for every designer. Thank you. Have a great day.
Hi Dana. Thank you for sharing your interesting story. Currently, I own around 20 bottles and feel that even that number is too much. I wish every perfume brand made their fragrances available in 30ml options so that we could try more for less.
P.S. I also thought that having a custom-made perfume designed just for me would be a great idea, but at the time, I’m good with what’s on the market.
Cheers,
Marin 🙂
I consider fragrances such as Eau Sauvage, Fahrenheit, Terre d’Hermes or Green Irish Tweed as artistic fragrances. Its like when you study a beautiful Renoir landscape (Eau Sauvage) or a surrealist one (Fahrenheit).
Hi Mike! I couldn’t agree more with your description. Some fragrances are made to be an art form, admired by many, and have a sort of mystique that transcends through passing trends and ages! Cheers! 🙂
I appreciate the knowledge of the concentrations of men’s fragrances what I need to ascertain is are there any niche fragrances like Creed, AJ Arabia, or any others that have better longevity and projection than the designer brands
Hi Leonard. I can suggest fragrances from Nasomatto, Orto Parisi, Xerjoff, and Amouage which usually have better performance than Creed. Some of my personal favorites include Amouage Imitation Man, Orto Parisi Bergamask, Nasomatto Pardon, and Xerjoff Accento Overdose. Please do let me know your thoughts about these when you get the chance to sample them. Cheers! 🙂
nasomatto Baroanda is incredible – whiskey, but not Amber, more like pears. Orto parisi terroni is a very acquired taste – sort of deep, smokey, but grabs attention.
I am buying 1mL samplers of anything I can get my hands on, and it is great fun trying new scents.
Hi Jason. I enjoy both of those scents you mentioned from Orto Parisi, but I prefer to wear Nasomatto Pardon during the winter. Marin 🙂
For the first time, I’ve encountered a fragrance issue – I purchased Baccarat Rouge 540 after smelling it in the store, but immediately after I spray it, I can no long longer smell it. I might catch a whiff on a shirt sleeve but once it’s on my body my nose can no longer detect it. Very frustrating although I still receive compliments. I consider it my stealth cologne except i’m the one not aware that I’m wearing it.
Hi. Thanks for the comment. The nose blindness you get from BR 540 is probably coming from the ambroxan overdose found in that fragrance. I suggest wearing it a couple of days in a row to get your nose acclimated to the scent since I’m sure you’ll start to smell it more with each day. Best, Marin
Hi Marin, It seems like you’ve done a lot of research from your notes on fragrances, but, I see from your list don’t have any Shaik or Penhaligon fragrances on it.
Does this mean you do not recommend these aftershaves?
I was looking at adding Shaik Opulent No: 77 and Penhaligon Terrible Teddy to my collection but this would be without smelling them myself first. I’ve been lucky with Creed and Tom Ford buying without smelling first so was gonna take a chance with the above fragrances I mentioned. As you haven’t included anything from these fragrance houses I’m now dubious in purchasing them. Any information on these fragrances would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Saint
Hi Saint. Thank you for your kind feedback. I have to say that this is the first time I heard about Shaik fragrance house which means, I’ll do thorough research in the future, and if I get a chance, sample some of their fragrance products. I have recently done a full review of Penhaligon’s Vaara which I recommend reading when you get time. Regarding Penhaligon’s house, Sartorial, and Halfeti Cedar should be the first ones to sample. Terrible Teddy goes in a similar direction as Marc-Antoine Barrois Ganymede and B683 but I find those more interesting. Feel free to update me and Scent Grail readers in the future when you sample some of Penhaligon’s fragrances and your experience with them. Also, blind buying perfumes is a risky game and should be only conducted as last resort. Best, Marin
Awesome list, but the age group listed is based on what?
How can an 18 y.o kid afford a BR 540?
Hi Muhamad. That’s a great question. The age range mentioned in the article is primarily based on the fragrance’s “maturity” and its suitability for different age groups, rather than personal financial power. It aims to provide guidance on which age groups may appreciate and resonate with the fragrance the most. However, personal preferences and individual chemistry can also play a significant role in how a fragrance is perceived, so it’s always important to try out different scents and see which ones align with your own taste and style. I hope this clarifies your inquiry. Best, Marin
for a niche sweet Amber with tobacco hints i think Xerjoff Naxos 1861 is unbeatable.
Hi Jason. Yes, I agree with Naxos. Great stuff to wear during the colder months. 🙂
When looking into purchasing “Tom Ford Black Orchid” I noticed it is labeled “for woman”? Confusing…. is it not meant for men to wear?
Hi Ben. Great question. Yes, it is sold as a women’s perfume by Tom Ford, but in my opinion, a man can wear it without any issues. It is a dark and bold fragrance that is more unisex than anything else. The new “Parfum” version in a golden bottle is more masculine than the Eau de Parfum, so I recommend also checking that one as well. Marin 🙂
I’m really surprised that Drakkar Noir isn’t making these lists. In the 80s clubbing scene, it was huge. Girls loved it too.
Hi Christopher. Looking back at this list, more than four years after it was published, I agree that Drakkar Noir could have made the list, but barely. Maybe instead of One Million Prive, but I’m not 100% sure about that either. Thanks for your feedback. I always love to hear different opinions about perfume. Best, Marin 🙂