Spring is in the air, and with it comes the opportunity to refresh your scented wardrobe with some of the best cheap spring fragrances for men.
Finding a perfect scent can be daunting with so many new releases coming out each week, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
In this article, I’ll share some of the best spring fragrances for men who want to smell good on a budget. A popular myth about perfume is that if we spend less, we skimp on quality.
However, in all of my years as a perfume enthusiast, I have found this claim to be far from the truth. It’s something I laugh about each time I see a topic about how only niche perfumes are scents we should wear.
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This article was created to debunk this myth and showcase 10 of the best spring scents that are great to wear in warmer weather. You should take a closer look at these perfumes if you’re in the market for a new scent this season, and sample them in your local fragrance shop.
Best Cheap Spring Fragrances: The List
Winter is over in the northern hemisphere, and we have finally entered a season where everything blooms, from flowers to our previously sleepy winter mood.
It’s a time of year when we naturally become more active and daydream about what the new year will bring to our lives. For perfume enthusiasts, it’s a bittersweet time.
We must say goodbye to the heavy winter fragrances that we love the most, but we also get excited about the prospect of spending more time in nature and trying out new scents that are perfect for the spring season.
Surprisingly, this list was easier to make than I expected since some of my spring favorites from the past have been either discontinued or are hard to find these days.
Therefore, I have focused on making a finely tuned list of older classics and modern cheapies that you can easily find in perfume retailers or fragrance discount webshops.
So, what makes a good spring fragrance if we stay within the budget of $60, which I consider the upper monetary level of an acceptable amount of money a great affordable spring fragrance should cost?
In my experience, lighter and brighter scents are ideal, as they complement the warmer weather when we wear lighter clothing.
Thus, it is not surprising that this list is dominated by citrus, green, and woody fragrances a couple of exceptions you can wear during the colder spring nights.
One more great thing about this season is that your lighter scents won’t dissipate from the skin as quickly as they would during the summer’s blazing heat.
Some may say that Acqua di Parma makes the best spring scents on the niche side, and Hermes is probably the best if we talk about designer perfumes.
Since this is about making the most out of a tight budget, I dare to say that you will be surprised by how great each of these scents smells. Let’s go.
10. Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet For Men
A note from the brand: “An woody amber fragrance, Ultraviolet Man is a blend of liquid mint, vibratory spices, amber and vetiver. The woody amber fragrance reveals itself over several dimensions. The frosty freshness of mint is the perfect complement to a fruity heart of mandarin and blackcurrant. The full-bodied vibes of coriander, patchouli and black pepper enhance the warm woody notes while ambergris, oak moss and organic vetiver add a playful dash.”
Why is Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet For Men one of the best cheap spring fragrances for men: A perfume that has previously appeared on my list of the best cheap winter fragrances for men is back again, and for a good reason.
It’s fresh and clean, with a delightful summer breeze aroma. Because of the combination of fresh and oriental notes, I get a soft and sweet fragrance with spicy/woody base notes.
It’s a different kind of scent that came at the turn of the millennium with a futuristic-looking bottle. It’s also probably the cheapest Paco Rabanne fragrance you can find in stores.
What I like the most about Ultraviolet is how versatile it is. Yeah, it’s typically a sweet fragrance, which is not a real surprise when we see that it’s a product from Paco Rabanne.
But if you’re looking for something unique to wear during the colder spring nights, this sexy and seductive fragrance might be just for you.
- Perfumer: Jacques Cavallier
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Aromatic Oriental
- Release Date: 2001
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 70% – 30%
- Most dominant notes: Mint, Amber, and Oakmoss
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Spring, Fall, and Winter
- Occasions: Night Out, and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Aromatic, Oriental, Woody
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
9. JOOP! Homme Absolute
A note from the brand: “The JOOP! Homme Absolute man is a born seducer. He is confident enough to let his guard down. Never taking himself too seriously, he knows that humor and playfulness pave the way to happiness. But he also values closeness, complicity and intimacy. Because he believes in himself and pursues his own passions, he can shed his ego to share time, trust and complicity with the people he loves. JOOP! Homme Absolute is a fragrant illustration of men’s dual nature.”
Why is Joop! Homme Absolute one of the best cheap spring fragrances: And, another fragrance I have mentioned before on my best cheap fall fragrances list that works equally great during cold spring nights.
Sometimes, proven scents are the best. To my absolute amazement, Absolute is still a hidden gem within the fragrance community for no apparent reason.
It has a completely different composition than other Joop Homme releases without that choking sweetness. Black pepper and incense are the main players here, which project a mysterious aroma and give a confident impression.
At the dry-down, Absolute projects a gentle aroma of masculine-smelling ylang-ylang, dry vetiver, and nutty tonka beans. It’s a great release from the brand worth checking out.
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- Perfumer: Antoine Maisondieu
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Woody
- Release Date: 2019
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 70% – 30%
- Most dominant notes: Incense, Black Pepper, and Ylang-Ylang
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Spring, Fall, and Winter
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Night Out
- Longevity and Sillage: 5 – 7 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Accords: Smoky, Spicy, Woody
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B
8. Karl Lagerfeld Lagerfeld Classic Grey
A note from the brand: “The woody-aromatic composition of Karl Lagerfeld Classic Grey opens with a note of bay leaf. Together with lavender, it gives a pleasant touch of freshness to the woody heart, which is composed of oak and cedar notes, complemented by a bit of sweetness from hazelnut and vanilla. The base of the fragrance is formed by strict and stern notes of oakmoss and sandalwood.”
Why is Karl Lagerfeld Lagerfeld Classic Grey one of the best cheap spring fragrances: Classic Grey is a familiar but different kind of smell. It has nothing to do with the original Classic release, and it was created to suit more modern tastes.
Mainly, it’s a woody-oriented fragrance with an additional aromatic note of bay leaf and dry/nutty sweetness coming from the hazelnut.
It’s a criminally underrated fragrance with a pleasant aroma and an unconventional composition that we rarely see from designer brands today. It smells much more expensive than it costs, and in return, you get a fantastic scent trail of cozy hazelnuts. Get it while it’s still around.
- Perfumer: Alexis Dadier
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Woody Aromatic
- Release Date: 2022
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 80% – 20%
- Most dominant notes: Oak, Bay leaf, and Hazelnut
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Spring, Fall, and Winter
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Night Out
- Longevity and Sillage: 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Woody, Aromatic, Nutty
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
7. Antonio Puig Quorum
A note from the brand: “Launched by the design house of Antonio Puig in the year 1982. This woody fragrance has a blend of caraway, grapefruit, bergamot, lemon, cyclamen, pine tree, sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine, leather, amber, oakmoss, and tobacco notes.”
Why is Antonio Puig Quorum one of the best cheap spring fragrances: First time appearing on Scent Grail, Quorum is an oakmoss-dominant fragrance that everyone should try as soon as they start collecting fragrances.
It is a super-affordable scent that contains real oakmoss at the maximum allowed level, allowing you to experience what fragrances from the 80s smelled like.
It’s a dream come true for fragrance aficionados who love to smell green and aromatic during the spring.
I’m not going to lie and say that Quorum smells modern, or that you’ll absolutely love it from the first sniff, but this type of composition is perfumery 101. Many more expensive niche fragrances use the same type of oak moss and charge 20 times more for no apparent reason other than their name.”
It’s always interesting to go back and smell classic fragrances that have stood the test of time and Quorum is one of those legendary classics.
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- Perfumer: Carlos Benaim, Max Gavarry, and Rosendo Mateu
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Woody Aromatic
- Release Date: 1981
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 90% – 10%
- Most dominant notes: Pine tree, Oakmoss, and Leather
- Age Group: 30+
- Seasons: Spring, and Fall
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Sport
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Low
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Woody, Aromatic, Leather
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
6. Guy Laroche Drakkar Noir
A note from the brand: “The Drakkar Noir man embodies strength, insolence and emotion.
A powerful scent and an explosive blend featuring stimulating lavender, lemon and mandarine orange top notes which play with a warm spicy herbaceous heart ending on a powerful woody base. A sensual and powerful fragrance.”
Why is Guy Laroche Drakkar Noir one of the best cheap spring fragrances: Continuing with the theme of green spring fragrances you should have in your arsenal, we have Drakkar Noir. Why? Firstly, it’s because of its legendary status as one of the best perfumes of all time. Secondly, even after more than 40 years since its release, Drakkar Noir is still wearable.
Don’t let anyone tell you that just because you like “old fashioned” scents from the past, you shouldn’t wear them.
With Drakkar, you get an uber-masculine, aromatic/mossy fragrance with dominant notes of lavender and oakmoss that sit atop a rugged leather accord. Even if you’ve never smelled it until now, I can guarantee that you’re familiar with this DNA from somewhere. So many other scents have tried to capture the magic of Drakkar and ultimately failed.
- Perfumer: Pierre Wargnye
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Aromatic Fougere
- Release Date: 1982
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 90% – 10%
- Most dominant notes: Lavender, Oakmoss, and Leather
- Age Group: 30+
- Seasons: Spring, and Fall
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Sport
- Longevity and Sillage: 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Low
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Aromatic, Woody, Mossy
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B
5. Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Intenso
A note from the brand: “The sensuality of Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Intenso Eau de Parfum derives from the blending of citrus notes with lavender and cypress, for a bold and unforgettable olfactory composition.
A richly sensual, modern fragrance, Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Intenso Eau de Parfum exalts the virility of the man who wears it.”
Why is Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Intenso one of the best cheap spring fragrances: I love Intenso, and I’m probably one of the biggest advocates for this perfume. It’s beyond me how this hidden gem is still in production given how rarely it gets mentioned anywhere.
It’s a pleasant and reassuring fragrance that fits perfectly into the spring and fall seasons and is also an ideal modern homage to the great fragrances from the 70s and 80s.
Inside, you’ll find a combination of aromatic lavender, woody tobacco, and dry grass-like hay, making it the only flanker that gets close enough to the long-discontinued original 1994 Pour Homme edition.
In my opinion, this is the best one out of the whole Pour Homme and Light Blue lineup, and a fragrance that deserves a place in your perfume collection.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Woody Aromatic
- Release Date: 2019
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 80% – 20%
- Most dominant notes: Lavender, Tobacco, and Hay
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Spring and Fall
- Occasions: Business, and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Aromatic, Woody, Green
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B
4. Dsquared2 Wood For Him
A note from the brand: “A powerful, distinctive and masculine fragrance. Wood, the new men’s fragrance by Dsquared2, opens with the Mediterranean freshness of bergamot from Calabria, mandarin and lemon from Sicily and is enriched with elegant, sharp notes of ginger. Vibrant tones of violet leaf and cardamom contrast with the distinct sensuality of ambrox. A modern blend of white woods brings light to the deep, elegant character of vetiver.”
Why is Dsquared2 Wood for Him one of the best cheap spring fragrances: The house of Dsquared2 is known for two things in the fragrance community.
First, it’s a brand that creates photorealistic woody fragrances, and second, it’s a brand that often discontinues every single release and starts over.
While Wood from 2018 is not a hidden gem like some other fragrances on this list, it’s already discontinued. To my nose, this is a pleasant fresh fragrance that is similar to other perfumes such as the original He Wood from the same brand, Prada Luna Rossa, with a slight resemblance to Dior’s Sauvage.
It’s a great day-to-day fragrance that works well in any situation you may find yourself in. If you’re interested in trying it out, I recommend getting it while it’s still available.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Woody Aromatic
- Release Date: 2018
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 80% – 20%
- Most dominant notes: Blond woods, Violet, and Sicilian Lemon
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Sport
- Longevity and Sillage: 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Accords: Woody, Citrus, Aromatic
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B
3. Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme Marine
A note from the brand: “Bvlgari Aqua Pour Homme Marine edition is presented in early 2008.
It was designed by renowned perfumer Jacques Cavallier, the creator of the original Aqua Pour Homme fragrance, who tried to evoke the natural freshness and the strength of the ocean with Posidonia Oceanica seaweed, neroli, grapefruit, rosemary and white cedar.”
Why is Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme Marine one of the best cheap spring fragrances: It’s another fragrance that has been discontinued in the last couple of years, but it’s a great Jacques Cavallier composition that evokes nostalgic feelings of seaside vacations. I’m amazed that one affordable designer fragrance can smell so realistic, just like the sea itself.
The kind of aquatic molecule found in Aqva Marine can be found in much more expensive niche fragrances that aren’t even close to the quality of this scent. Aqva Marine smells fantastic from the opening to the end.
It’s a great scent to wear as we get closer to summer. The watery aroma with fresh citrus notes is a perfect combination for refreshing yourself on hot days.
- Perfumer: Jacques Cavallier
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Aromatic Aquatic
- Release Date: 2008
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 70% – 30%
- Most dominant notes: Sea Notes, Seaweed, and Grapefruit
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Spring, and Summer
- Occasions: Leisure, and Sport
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Aquatic, Citrus, Aromatic
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
2. Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue
A note from the brand: “A strong masculine fragrance, Dylan Blue encapsulates the sensual scents of the Mediterranean with refreshing hints of bergamot and grapefruit. The bold perfume is stored in a blue, geometric bottle enriched with gold-tone accents, evoking the Mediterranean sea and sand.”
Why is Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue one of the best cheap spring fragrances: Dyan Blue is my favorite affordable substitute for scents such as Dior Sauvage and Chanel’s Bleu de Chanel.
It’s a mass-appealing and versatile blue fragrance that you can wear throughout the year in all situations.
This ambroxan-forward composition was created by master perfumer Alberto Morillas, who is known for his great fresh fragrances. Dylan Blue is also probably the safest blind buy on this list.
It doesn’t hurt to know that Dylan Blue is a massive compliment puller. If you looking for something that checks all the mentioned marks, and is a good youthful, and fresh scent as well, this Versace perfume might be your number one choice for spring and summer.
It’s also worth noting that Dylan Blue is a massive compliment-puller. If you’re looking for something that is a good youthful and fresh scent, this Versace perfume might be your perfect choice for spring and summer.
- Perfumer: Alberto Morillas
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Spicy
- Release Date: 2016
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 80% – 20%
- Most dominant notes: Ambroxan, Calabrian bergamot, and Water Notes
- Age Group: 18+
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Occasions: Any Occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 2/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Citrus, Spicy, Musky
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
1. Molinard Figue
A note from the brand: “Steep yourself in the rich, sweet, and gentle ambiance of a summer’s evening, caressed by the dappled Mediterranean light shifting in shadows and sunbeams through the tree’s branches. Fig is a private paradise for the senses, transporting you to a garden of a thousand colors.
Sparkling Mediterranean citrus is wrapped in the broad leaves of the fig tree. The green fig accord captures the fruit’s mellow, velvety smoothness before unfurling across a woody, musky base note, echoing the silky sap, the nectar of a milky fig.
When the plump, sensual fruit joins with the fig leaf, the fragrance unfolds with profound intensity.”
Why is Molinard Figue one of the best cheap spring fragrances: The number one place takes arguably the best fragrance on this list.
It’s a niche composition and one of the best affordable spring/summer scents from the historical French niche house of Molinard. Figue has everything a great warm-weather scent should have.
It features beautiful and juicy natural-smelling fig with just a hint of sweetness. Figue is the only scent at this price point that actually smells on the same level as the more popular Diptyque Philosykos, and Acqua di Parma Fico di Amalfi.
While it has the calm nature of Diptyque and the refreshing creamy brightness from Acqua di Parma, this Molinard masterpiece also has its own twist with a drier and greener formula.
It’s a great fresh and herbal perfume that I enjoy wearing whenever I want to smell like I’m on the Adriatic coast.
- Perfumer: Mathieu Nardin
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Fruity Green
- Release Date: 2016
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 50% – 50%
- Most dominant notes: Fig, Lemon, and Green Leaves
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Spring, and Summer
- Occasions: Any Occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Fruity, Green, Woody
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
What is a spring fragrance?
A spring fragrance is a scent that is appropriate for the spring season, which lasts from March to June in the northern hemisphere. It is also a transitional season in which the weather becomes milder and the flowers start to bloom.
Spring fragrances are frequently associated with feelings of newness, renewal, active lifestyle, and optimism.
They are lighter and less intense than typical fall and winter fragrances, with fresh and floral notes that evoke the season. Some of the more popular spring notes include citruses, green leaves, floral blossoms, and light woods.
The ideal spring scents are ones that can be worn both during the day and at night. It should be invigorating and refreshing while also being comfortable. Spring is also the season when overpowering scents still feel comfortable to wear.
Many fragrance enthusiasts change their fragrances in this warmer season, putting away their heavier winter scents and replacing them with something more appropriate for the spring.
Some perfumes, on the other hand, can be worn all year such as previously mentioned Dylan Blue or Wood For Him, and it all comes down to personal preference.
Regardless, a well-chosen spring fragrance can add the finishing touch to any outfit and get you in the mood for the season ahead.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored ten of the best cheap spring fragrances for men that smell great and don’t break the bank.
As we can see, affordability does not always translate to poor quality or cheap smell, and some of the best fragrances on the market are also the most affordable.
The myth that only niche perfumes are worth wearing is officially debunked, and most of these scents on the list can rival some of the most expensive niche releases.
Remember to take into consideration the notes that work best for you and your personality when choosing a fragrance. This can be easily done by broadening your perfume knowledge and sampling many different scents.
In conclusion, I hope you have found something new and exciting for this lovely season, and please, don’t be afraid to experiment with different perfumes to find the one that speaks to you the most.
What are your thoughts about this list? Have you tried any of the mentioned top 10 best cheap spring fragrances? Let’s start a conversation and let me know in the comment section below.
In case you are in doubt about whether you should consider buying any fragrance, it’s always good to take a look at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can check out if a particular fragrance is worth checking out, and potentially find your signature perfume.
Scent Grail content is free for anyone to use without anything hiding behind the paywall. If you would like to help me do more great articles like this, you can donate via PayPal. Much appreciated.
Find out more Scent Grail articles about perfumery, check out top lists, and other helpful reviews via the links below:
REVIEWS
- Nasomatto Pardon
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Apom Pour Homme
- Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan
- Mancera Aoud Lemon Mint
- Tom Ford Costa Azzurra
- Tom Ford Oud Wood
TOP LISTS
- 10 Best Signature Scents For Men
- Top 10 Best Fall Fragrances For Men
- 10 Best Valentine’s Day Perfume Gifts For Her
- 10 Best Valentine’s Day Perfumes For Men
- 10 Best Cheap Perfumes For Men
- 20 Best Winter Fragrances For Men
SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER
- How To Start A Perfume Blog
- Designer Vs Niche Fragrances
- Perfume Reformulations
- Fragrance Strengths & Perfume Concentrations
- How To Wear Perfume
- How To Find Your Signature Scent
Until next time, have a great time, and keep smelling like a million bucks!
Best, Marin!
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