Take it from a beauty journalist who has sniffed no fewer than a hundred perfumes (yes, really): shopping for the best men's fragrances is far from an easy task. Unisex and male-oriented eau de parfums often have complex scent profiles, from oud-y iterations to sandalwood-focused blends and spicier gourmand fragrances. While some eau de toilettes lean into more lightweight aftershave territory, some colognes pack an extra punch in the longevity department – the latter of which may not necessarily work in your/his favour. Particularly if the scent has an overwhelming or a headache-inducing effect – we all know better to steer clear of these.
Whether you're looking to treat a boyfriend/husband/father/brother or a friend, the good news is that men's fragrances make the best fool-proof gifts for him. Be it to pamper him over Christmas or to surprise him with a new scent to celebrate his birthday or an anniversary. On the flip side, it can also be one of the trickiest gifts to get right, especially if you're not as familiar with your giftee's scent preferences. And let's face it, gender aside, it’s no secret that choosing a new fragrance online an be a daunting task, period.
Luckily, over the years, I’ve learnt a few tricks that make this process way less stressful and complicated, but more on that later. If you do get it right, you may even help the person on the receiving end to discover their new signature fragrance. Many even work well as a unisex fragrance too, making it a great gift for yourself too – *wink-wink*.
Below, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide of the best men's fragrances that they never knew they wanted on their wish list, plus first-hand advice on how to choose them. Trust us, one spritz of any of the below will have him so sold that he picks up an aftershave balm, moisturiser, body spray and body lotion to match. Here's everything you need to know.
Best men's fragrances at a glance – our top picks:
- Best overall: Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
- Best smoky scent: Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette
- Best long-lasting: Creed Aventus Eau de Parfum
- Best cult-favourite: Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette
SKIP TO: A fail-proof guide to picking the best men’s fragrance | How we test the best men's fragrances.
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
Tester: Ben Neale, GLAMOUR's Senior Creative Designer.
Best men's fragrance overall
- Top notes: Violet accord, cardamom.
- Heart notes: Iris, papyrus, ambrox.
- Base notes: Cedarwood, leather, sandalwood.
Why we love it: Let's be real, it would hardly be a perfume roundup without the iconic Santal 33 from Le Labo. Loved by beauty editors and perfume obsessives alike, this addicting unisex fragrance exudes a warm, leathery and musky presence with its addicting notes of cardamom, iris, violet, ambrox and sandalwood. Our very own Senior Creative Designer Ben Neale declared that out of all men's fragrances he's tested, this one definitely takes the crown, and we couldn't agree more. Inspired by the American Wild West, this unique eau de parfum is a sure compliment magnet and is one that can easily become his favourite.
Tester: Ben Neale, GLAMOUR's Senior Creative Designer.
Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette
Best smoky men's fragrance
- Top notes: Pink pepper, neroli oil.
- Middle notes: Rum absolute, sage oil.
- Base notes: Tabaco leaf absolute, vanilla bean.
