Cologne, or Eau de Cologne, is a type of perfume for men. However, it can also be unisex and suitable for women. It is worn by all ages, but it particularly resonates with younger men. This popularity is often attributed to a desire to smell good, experimenting with personal style, and being influenced by advertising and peers.
The term 'cologne' is often used as a blanket term for all men’s perfumes in the UK. But this is somewhat misleading since colognes are usually more subtle than most types of men’s perfumes. They are also characterised as having clean, light, fresh and deeply energising scents.
The best men’s cologne is a very subjective topic, so it can be tricky to pin down the most popular ones. But here are our top five best-sellers, tried and trusted by men and showing no signs of slowing down:
Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli Portofino
The Private Blend Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford is a sublime getaway for your senses. Inspired by the idyllic charm of the Italian village of Portofino, it immediately transports you to a world of timeless elegance and relaxation. The cologne encapsulates the essence of the coastal Mediterranean, with enchanting top notes of bergamot, mandarin and lemon that unfold into a heart of African orange blossom and jasmine.
The base notes of amber and musk add an interesting depth to the scent, creating an enticing aroma that's both fresh and enduring. This is not merely a scent; it's a personal retreat to the glistening Portofino shoreline on the Italian Riviera.
Jo Malone 154 Cologne
The zesty, uplifting Jo Malone 154 is another popular cologne for both men and women. Released in 2001, this classy creation takes its name from the street number of Jo Malone's first London store.
With its delectable blend of mandarin, lavender, and vetiver, it transports you on an eclectic journey that begins with a burst of citrus freshness and vibrancy, followed by clean, woody notes that deepen the scent over time. Jo Malone 154 is a modern classic and an extremely versatile cologne that can be worn anytime and for any occasion.
Enigma Pour Homme Parfum Cologne
Enigma Pour Homme Parfum Cologne by Roja Dove is a hugely popular men’s cologne released in 2019. It is an Amber Spicy scent masked by a swirl of Cognac and tobacco—the perfect evening cologne for a date night and social gatherings.
It is rich, mysterious, and complex, with decadent boozy accords paired with vanilla to create a highly enticing and sophisticated scent that will linger throughout the night.
Byredo Sunday Cologne
Byredo Sunday Cologne is the perfect scent that exemplifies the essential qualities of Eau de Cologne. It is a great perfume that is light, crisp and fresh, but with a twist. The woody aromatic scent opens with refreshing yet heart-warming top notes, followed by spicy and floral undertones.
Base notes including vetiver, moss and patchouli give it a touch of earthiness as well as depth to create a perfect harmony of crispness, spiciness and warmth. It’s a great scent for casual weekends, although it can also be worn for formal occasions and all year round.
Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir
Pomegranate Noir by Jo Malone is an exquisite blend of scents that takes you on an olfactory journey that is simply unforgettable. It is an aromatic, fruity cologne suitable for both men and women. The scent opens with sweet pomegranate, followed by the heart notes of Casablanca lily and spicy guaiac wood, which add a layer of complexity and depth to the scent.
The rich base notes of smoky incense, musk, and patchouli give the cologne its noir aspect, adding a sense of mystery and allure. Pomegranate Noir is the perfect cologne for a confident man who isn't afraid to stand out from the crowd. With its bold and enticing scent, anyone who loves the Jo Malone brand will not want to miss out on this experience.
The top five colognes listed above are undeniably popular among men. But we have many more scent options for you to try, including luxury perfume brands like Amouage, Byredo, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford, and many more. Not sure which scent to try? Browse our starter suggestions for men.