We all love to leave a great first impression. Being the clothes, our manners of perfumes. The most complimented men’s fragrances list comes from my desire to share with you what worked for me perfume-wise.
Fragrances are subjective. The same goes for fashion and opinions. That’s why I basing this list on something that actually worked in real life, and not publishing a general list with just obvious choices.
I am a strong believer that just wearing a high-end fragrance is not enough, and there have to be other and deeper qualities a person has to have in order for everything to come together, and receive a compliment for a perfume.
Coco Chanel once said there are people who have money and people who are rich. What she wanted to point out is exactly the sole purpose of everything coming together and becoming “rich” inside, and I couldn’t agree more.
Here at Scent Grail, I focus on providing my readers with entertaining, but insightful content everyone can understand and enjoy.
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The Hard Truth About Compliments
I know, I know. Yet, I do still feel a need to talk about it. You have already seen numerous articles and YouTube videos about these “miraculous” fragrances you just spray and girls or guys will fall under your feet, but let’s stop for a moment before you actually part yourself with hard-earned money.
Other than good looks, nice clothing, and a cologne, passion is often rated the most important or attractive personality trait.
So, other than buying the most complimented men’s fragrances, being passionate about something, and having a real purpose in your life can be more effective, and the fragrance comes as a nice bonus at the end.
What kind of fragrances get compliments?
Now that we know fragrance is a nice bonus at the end, let’s talk about what gets the most compliments. Some things are eternal like Chanel No 5 or Creed’s Millesime Imperial, and will never go out of style.
But, when we talk about fragrance compliments, we talk about the trends from the last 10+ years. Here is what has been proven as a compliment magnet perfume style:
- Blue fragrances -more popularly known as the “shower gel” perfumes, infused with an overdose synthetic molecule known as ambroxan that imitates the natural ingredient ambergris. The dry ambery, musky, and fizzy scent nature of ambroxan is currently the number one perfume trend in the world. Usually, ambrox heavy fragrances are paired with spicy accords, and citrusy notes to round up the composition.
- Sweet fragrances – it all started with 1 Million from Paco Rabanne. Before 2008, sweet men’s fragrances were more of a novelty rather than one of the most popular trends for more than a decade. This oriental/woody fragrance family with vanilla, tobacco, and other sweet and spicy notes gets positive attention during the colder months of the year.
The Most Complimented Men’s Fragrances: The list
Other than my number one choice which is my most complimented fragrance of all time, everything else you see here has worked for me in daily life.
I have tested these fragrances in various situations, such as work, clubbing, outdoors, and such. Without any further ado, I invite you to check out and discover what might give positive attention and compliments as well.
10. Hugo Boss Boss Bottled Eau de Toilette
A note from the brand: BOSS Bottled is the encapsulation of BOSS in a fragrance. Confident and contemporary: clean lines make BOSS Bottled an iconic classic. Combining elegance and style, it was designed with the modern man in mind.
Combining elegance and style, it was designed with the modern man in mind. Vibrant with fresh and sensuous notes, the fragrance exudes distinction, sophistication and pure joie de vivre. Balancing with a fresh and fruity top note, the warm, spicy-floral heart is dominated by geraniums and seasoned with just a dab of clove. The base note is decidedly male, a vibrating harmony of sandalwood, cedar and vetiver.
Why is Boss Bottled one of my most complimented men’s fragrances: Boss Bottled is not only one of my compliment magnets from the past but also one of the fragrances that got me more interested in the fragrance game in general.
Warm and woody, better known as the apple pie fragrance, still works today, but if you get a chance, rather hunt down now discontinued Boss Bottled Intense Eau de Parfum since the performance of that fragrance is much better.
As far as I can remember, it all started with the original Boss Bottled compliment-wise.
- Perfumer: Annick Menardo
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Oriental
- Release Date: 1998
- Most dominant notes: Apple, Cinnamon, and Vanilla
- Target Audience: Men
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Business and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 4 to 6 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Accords: Warm, Spicy, Woody
9. Joop! Homme
A note from the brand: Joop! Homme is a very sensual, oriental fragrance with fresh citrus top notes of mandarin, lemon, bergamot and orange blossom. The floral heart is very warm and balmy, revealing jasmine, lily of the valley, heliotrope and cinnamon. The exotic base introduces sweet and woodsy notes of vanilla, Tonka bean, patchouli and sandalwood.
Why is Joop Homme one of my most complimented men’s fragrances: The first sweet men’s fragrance in the world and the pink color of the perfume tells you straight what are you getting into.
Cinnamon, and vanilla work in harmony along with a brilliant idea to include heliotrope to create this cotton candy vibe aroma that actually works better in the real world, rather than paper.
Everyone’s first dating scent, and young-age sweetheart fragrance, Joop! Homme still works. Just be careful with the number of sprays, since it fills out the whole room and announces your presence with a huge scent cloud. Best used as a clubbing scent during the colder months.
- Perfumer: Michel Almairac
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Floral Oriental
- Release Date: 1989
- Most dominant notes: Heliotrope, Vanilla, and Cinnamon
- Target Audience: Men
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Night Outs, and Romantic
- Longevity and Sillage: 12 hours with great projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Accords: White Floral, Oriental, Spicy
8. Dior Fahrenheit
A note from the brand: A unique and contrasting signature, with a powerful enchanting trail. Fresh Sicilian Mandarin notes, and the surprising combination of masculine Wood and Leather with an unprecedented Violet accord.
Creativity, distinction, and character: the Fahrenheit signature is unique—manly yet subtle—for men with a love of freedom.
Why is Dior Fahrenheit one of my most complimented men’s fragrances: To me, Dior Fahrenheit is the undisputed king of men’s black leather perfumes.
To receive a compliment for a leather-based without any sweetness is really something, but it somehow works.
Gasoline-like leather, modernized with the opening note of mandarin, and all the different facets of Fahrenheit shows during different weather is truly something special, everyone should check out.
What strikes me the most is how Fahrenheit still smells fresh in this modern-day age.
- Perfumer: Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Michel Almairac
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Floral Leather
- Release Date: 1988
- Most dominant notes: Violet, Leather, and Musk
- Target Audience: Men
- Age Group: 30+
- Seasons: Any season
- Occasions: Business and leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 8+ hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Perfume Color Palette: Leather, Floral, Ozonic
7. Tom Ford Ombre Leather
A note from the brand: The tactile sensuality of rich black leather, textured with addictive patchouli and vetiver, envelops like second skin. The perfume’s floral tones of jasmine sambac conjure wild desert beauty, while layers of amber and moss mimic the heat of rock and sand.
“Ombré Leather is a deeply textural scent that imprints you with a tactile sensuality. It makes one feel different, beautiful and desired.” – Tom Ford
Why is Tom Ford’s Ombre Leather one of my most complimented men’s fragrances: Ombre Leather is my favorite fragrance release of the 2010s and my first clubbing choice.
It firmly holds the number #1 spot in my Top 10 Best Tom Ford Perfumes. That’s how good I believe it is.
With this more affordable variation of Tuscan Leather, I believe you should skip all the clones on the market. Each time I wore this perfume, someone commented on how good it smelled.
Raspberry, Suede leather, Cardamom, and Amber dominate the composition, and the fragrance will last for days on your skin. Ombre Leather is truly one of the best fragrance releases of all time.
- Perfumer: Sonia Constant
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Leather Spicy
- Release Date: 2018
- Most dominant notes: Leather, Cardamom, and Amber
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Business and Night Outs
- Longevity and Sillage: 24+ hours with great projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Leather, Amber, Spicy
6. Dior Homme 2020
A note from the brand: Dior Homme redefines a new, masculine sensuality with its composition of smooth and raw wood. In the heart notes of tender wood lies the virility of Atlas Cedar embracing the enveloping warmth of Haitian Vetiver tinged with spices. The wood is chiseled in-house at Dior.
Dior Homme conveys all the facets of modern masculinity. A man, yes, but a man of many nuances: confident in both his strength and his tenderness. Dior Homme Eau de Toilette’s bold scented trail leaves a sensual imprint.
Why is Dior Homme 2020 one of my most complimented men’s fragrances: The rebranding of the iris-based fragrance legend Dior Homme has been one of the most successful commercial stories of 2020, and is currently paving an open road for the new fragrance trend of 2020’s – woody and fresh Iso E Super dominated perfumes.
Dior Homme 2020 opens up with sparkling citruses and vibrant and fresh spices that slowly transition to the modern woody base. The fragrance will last you for the whole workday, and it also works as a versatile workhorse.
With everything said and done, it is no wonder I received a positive comment each time I wore Dior Homme 2020.
Read the full review here.
- Perfumer: François Demachy
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Woody Spicy
- Release Date: 2020
- Most dominant notes: Cashmere Wood, Cedar, Pink Pepper
- Target Audience: Men
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Any season
- Occasions: Business and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Woody, Spicy, Musky
5. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
A note from the brand: Molecule 01 consists of the molecule Iso E Super pure and singular. Iso E Super is a molecule that hovers close to the skin to create an indefinable aura around the wearer.
It is characterized by a hyper-modern cedarwood note with a velvety sensation. Perfumer Geza Schoen explains its allure: “Iso E Super is one of those skin-sexy scents that makes you want to nestle into it. It’s comforting, cocooning.
Iso E Super has a marked intermittence. To the wearer, it seems to vanish and then re-appear. This is due to the way it bonds with receptors in the olfactory system, only slowly releasing to make way for a fresh charge of the molecule on the receptors.
Why is Molecule 01 one of my most complimented men’s fragrances: Molecule 01 is a strange one. To some, it smells like alcohol water, and nothing else, but to others, it is pure magic.
It took some time for my nose to start detecting this cedarwood/sandalwood pencil shaving-like kind of smell that other people adore.
If you are a person that likes the woody type of perfumes, I highly recommend you check out Molecule 01 even if you cannot smell anything at all at first. Trust me, others will detect your fragrance from afar. That’s why it is no wonder Molecule 01 is one of the most-sold niche perfumes of all time.
Read the full review here.
- Perfumer: Geza Schoen
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Woody Musk
- Release Date: 2006
- Most dominant notes: Iso E Super
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Any season
- Occasions: Any occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Value for money: 5/10
- Accords: Woody, Warm, Musky
4. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
A note from the brand: Tom Ford reinvents classic tobacco with creamy tonka bean, vanilla, cocoa, dry fruit accords and sweet wood sap – for a modern, opulent and heady impression of confidence and power.
“Tobacco Vanille is opulent, warm and iconic. Reminiscent of an English gentleman’s club and blended with rich spices, vanilla and tobacco flower, it leaves a powerful impression.” –Tom Ford
Why is Tobacco Vanille one of my most complimented men’s fragrances: Tobacco Vanille has to be alongside Creed’s Aventus the most revolutionary fragrance released in the 21st century.
Perfumes with the dominant notes of tobacco and vanilla were nothing new by 2007, but Tom Ford ain’t your typical fragrance brand that follows mainstream trends. Nothing gets to the perfect of Tobacco Vanille and the way it brings people closer to you because you smell out of this world.
Tobacco Vanille’s oriental notes are backed up by dried fruits that give it a pastry kind of aroma found just like in European Christmas fairs. Rich and textured three-dimensional composition lasts the whole day and will cut through the air on the coldest days of the year.
- Perfumer: Olivier Gillotin
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Spicy Oriental
- Release Date: 2007
- Most dominant notes: Tobacco, Vanilla, and Spices
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Fall and Winter
- Occasions: Romantic, Clubbing, Night Outs
- Longevity and Sillage: 10 – 12 hours with great projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Oriental, Sweet, Woody
3. Giorgio Armani Aqua di Giò Profumo
A note from the brand: Acqua Di Giò Profumo is a sophisticated fragrance born from volcanic rock and deep ocean waters
Fresh bergamot and marine accords are paired with the deep, captivating radiance of incense – an inspiring and seductive rich material, creating a profoundly intense and adventurous aromatic fragrance.
Why is Aqua di Giò Profumo one of my most complimented men’s fragrances: I’m still stunned at how the original Acqua di Giò DNA still works today and feels fresh as well.
Profumo is in my opinion still the best flanker from the bunch and gets to that original fresh/marine DNA close enough with the addition of incense and aromatic herbs with better performance.
If you are just looking for a great-smelling compliment-pulling fragrance, wear Profumo during the summer heat and enjoy yourself. Compliments or not, Profumo is one of the best men’s fragrances of all time.
- Perfumer: Alberto Morillas
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Aromatic Aquatic
- Release Date: 2015
- Most dominant notes: Incense, Sea Notes, and Bergamot
- Target Audience: Men
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Spring and Summer
- Occasions: Leisure, Romantic, and Business
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Marine, Spicy, Aromatic
2. Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum
A note from the brand: To create Sauvage Eau de Parfum, François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator, drew inspiration from the desert at the magical twilight hour: mixed with the coolness of the night, the burning desert air exudes profound scents.
The Sauvage Eau de Parfum is thus the olfactory interpretation of a moment tinted with a thick blue that unleashes the wildest instincts. In the hour when the wolves come out and the sky is set ablaze, a new magic unfolds.
Sauvage Eau de Parfum teams the freshness of a juicy, spicy Calabrian Bergamot note with the sensuality of a mysterious and enveloping Papua New Guinean Vanilla absolute accord. The fragrance unfurls a powerful and noble trail.
Why is Sauvage Eau de Parfum one of my most complimented men’s fragrances: this fragrance has been already featured on Scent Grail numerous times, and that is not a coincidence.
The blue fragrance trend started with Bleu de Chanel, but it all changed with Sauvage and the combination of subtle Aventus DNA and Chanel into one fusion.
I have worn Sauvage professionally, to the beach, to the nightclubs, everywhere. People love that ambroxan fuzzy scent cloud and there is nothing we can do about it, no matter do we love it or not.
- Perfumer: François Demachy
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Fresh Spicy
- Release Date: 2018
- Most dominant notes: Ambroxan, Bergamot, and Sichuan Pepper
- Target Audience: Men
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Any season
- Occasions: Any occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with very good projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Fresh, Spicy, Musky
1. Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man
A note from the brand: A provocative woody spicy masculine scent that opens with fresh fruity notes of lemon, apple and blackcurrant leading to an opulent floral heart of rose and jasmine spiced up with birch to add a smoky leather nuance. The base includes vanilla, ambergris, musk and patchouli.
Why is Club de Nuit Intense Man one of my most complimented men’s fragrances: At no surprise at all, CDNIM comes as the number one most complimented fragrance of all time.
By now, we all know that it is the most famous Creed Aventus clone on the market at a fraction of the price.
Personally, I prefer Montblanc Explorer due to the more refined smell, but it comes with worse performance, unfortunately. The number of compliments you’ll receive with CDNIM on a daily basis has to be experienced in order to believe it.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Woody
- Release Date: 2015
- Most dominant notes: Lemon, Birch, and Musk
- Target Audience: Men
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Any season
- Occasions: Any occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with good projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 2/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Citrus, Woody, Musky
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read about my top 10 most complimented men’s fragrances of all time. If it worked for me, I’m sure that’ll work for you as well.
What are your most complimented men’s fragrances of all time? Let me know in the comment section at the end of the article.
In case you are in doubt whether you should consider buying a particular 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 links below:
REVIEWS
- Zaharoff Signature Pour Homme
- Bentley For Men Intense
- Lalique Encre Noire A L’Extreme
- Dior Homme Intense
- Acqua Di Parma Colonia Club
- Mancera Cedrat Boise
TOP LISTS
- Top 10 Designer Perfume Brands
- Best Summer Perfumes For Women
- Best Classic Men’s Perfumes
- Best Classic Women’s Perfumes
- Best Spring Fragrances For Men
- Best Classic Women’s Perfumes
SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER
- Perfume Testers Vs. Retail Boxed Fragrances
- Perfume Shopping Tips
- How To Buy Vintage Perfume
- History Of Perfume
- Fragrance Addiction
- How To Find Your Signature Scent
Until next time, have a great time and keep smelling like a million bucks!
Best, Marin!
#scentgrail #scentgrailtribe
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Your number one source for Holy Grail Signature Scents.
– Marin Kristic
Brilliant article – it is so refreshing to have found an article that is so genuine and without paid links making the decisions on product placement in the list – Thank you.
Hi Simon. Thanks for your honest feedback. I will do my best to keep Scent Grail like this for a long time to come. Keep smelling great. Cheers, Marin 🙂
I must say you are King when it come to fragrance / nish perfume …I just read and read cant stop i love this 🤩
Hi Thomas. Thank you for the positive feedback and your kind words. I will keep doing the good work. 🙂
Brilliant impartial review of some of the best on the market. What would you rate Montblanc Explorer or Aventus?
And any tips of getting my smell back after having Covid 6 months ago!?
Hi Ryan. Unfortunately, I’m one of those people who knew how powerful Aventus used to smell. While I do still prefer the smell of Aventus over Explorer, Explorer is a much better deal these days. As for COVID and getting your smell back, some of my friends got their sense of smell back from mixing spicy food into their diet. Can’t say will it work for you, but it is worth a shot. Good luck! 🙂
After watching numerous mindless videos on YouTube, I finally stumbled upon this brilliant article. Thank you Marin for the honest inputs. You helped me create my list of ‘most complimented’ and ‘best office fragrances’. I’ll try them all. Keep writing, my best wishes.
Hi Subhasish. Thank you for your kind feedback, and I’m glad you have enjoyed my article. The main reason I’m keeping my fragrance game in written form is because of the overload of YouTube fragrance reviewers, and somehow I do feel that the written word has more impact even today. I’ll keep up the good work, and keep on exploring beautiful fragrance world we all enjoy. Best wishes! Marin
Hi Marin
I was wondering what your impressions are of Mont Blanc Legend? Would this be an example of a men’s cologne that gets a lot of compliments? I am trying to find a good cologne to wear at work and when I go out with friends to a bar or restaurant.
Thank you, Marin.
Hi Carlo! Montblanc Legend is a good alternative to the more expensive Fierce from Abercrombie & Fitch and a compliment-getter. While I do feel that Fierce DNA has been done to death by now, Legend is so affordable that it is worth giving it a shot or at least sampling it. The new Eau de Parfum version of Legend from 2020 is the way to go in my opinion. Please do let me know in the future how this fragrance worked for you. Cheers, Marin. 🙂
hi Marin! that is a great list you made. I wonder if you already smelled the limited edition of club de nuit intense and what do you think about it? and what do you think about the elixir of JPG and Dior Sauvage. thanks
Hi Joep. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the article. If you’re wondering whether to get the standard CDNIM Edt or the Limited Edition, I recommend the Limited Edition as it’s smoother than the original. JPG Elixir is good, but it’s not my cup of tea. Regarding Sauvage Elixir, it’s almost a completely different scent but would be a great addition to the collection if you’re looking for a more mature office fragrance. Marin
Hello your website is a great resource! Hopefully you can put more images in the articles. I love the visuals please!
Hi Mark. Thanks for the positive feedback. I always try to include a couple of great photos within every article. Thanks for the suggestion. I will consider it. Best, Marin