When shopping around for the best cologne for young men, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the ever-growing amount of options available. Not only should the chosen cologne empower the user, but it must mingle effortlessly with the body’s chemistry. Depending on the type of cologne, some may last just a couple of short hours, while others are meant to have a long-lasting impact throughout the day.
Some men lean more towards aggressive scents with tobacco notes, while others may gravitate towards refreshing or warming tones. Finding the right cologne should not feel like a chore but more so like an exciting experience. After all, it could be considered a form of self-care as it embraces the modern man’s masculinity.
With all these factors considered, it is beneficial to find the right cologne that pairs well with day-to-day life. Whether you are new to the cologne industry or have dabbled in several scents throughout the years, this article highlights the best colognes for young men.
1. Atlantis by Blu Atlas
For those who appreciate an aromatic, earthy scent with a hint of citrus, look no further. Blu Atlas launched their exclusive men’s cologne, Atlantis, to challenge the status quo. This intriguing cologne empowers men who defy convention and embrace their masculinity.
It is easy to catch notes of bergamot, clary sage, and patchouli that bring balance to the woodsy tones. While small but mighty, this bottle packs a powerful punch that will have heads turning. It is no surprise Atlantis by Blu Atlas slides in at #1 on our list of the best colognes for young men. Forbes, Men’s Journal, D Magazine, and Tampa Bay News all agree with us also rating the cologne as the very best.
Additionally, Atlantis by Blu Atlas has become a popular fragrance among men as one of the best smelling colognes on the market. It possesses balanced qualities that emulate youthfulness and finesse, encouraging young men to be brave, bold, and adventurous.
2. Eros by Versace
When it comes to package design, Versace leaves no stone unturned. As visually stunning as the bottle design is, the true essence is what lies within. Eros is a vibrant fragrance that exudes a fresh, ethereal aura rendering elated masculinity.
An intense, alluring combination of Italian lemon zest, min leaves, and green apple make for a genuinely addictive sensuality. The spicy tones of Cedarwood, Oak Moss, and Geranium Flower provide a level of inviting intensity like no other. Eros by Versace is the epitome of love, passion, and beauty in a bottle.
3. Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford
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Tobacco Vanille is a warm, deluxe fragrance filled with spice in the best way. From vanilla, ginger, and welcoming notes of tobacco leaf, this opulent fragrance leads with confidence and power. Tobacco Vanille carries notes of dry fruit, tonka bean, cocoa packaged in a sleek bottle design with exquisite craftsmanship. The pleasant smell is a mixture of freshly-baked vanilla cookies paired with a rugged hint of tobacco pipe smoke for the modern man.
4. Bleu de CHANEL
The next generation of men is lining up to get their hands on the infamous Bleu de CHANEL. From its sleek modern design to its timeless, elegant fragrance, Bleu de CHANEL is hands down one of the best cologne for young men for a good reason.
The fragrance is not too strong, yet it carries a blend of earthy tones that deliver an aura of confidence. The citrus notes introduce a flare of freshness while complimenting the warm notes of tonka bean, herbaceous, and nutty subtleties.
5. Dolce & Gabbana K
The concept behind Dolce & Gabbana K is to empower a man in his element and embrace everyday life with love and confidence. Dolce & Gabbana K embodies the modern man and his vibrancy at the center. The carefully sculpted bottle design resembles unique artistry as a true symbol of royalty, boldness, and simplicity.
Inside is a refreshing fusion of citrus and woodsy tones that create a compelling yet not overwhelming fragrance. The citrus notes feature blood orange and Sicilian lemon, while the warm woodsy tones feature geranium and lavandin. Altogether, this fragrance delivers a captivating dose of confidence and charisma.
6. Uomo Born in Roma by Valentino
If there is such a thing as premium comfort in a bottle, it is none other than Valentino’s iconic Uomo Born in Roma. This fragrance is a statement of personality for a man and introduces a unique burst of bright aroma. The invigorating scent features hints of violet leaf, sage, smoked vetiver, and ginger for a little bit of spice.
Not to mention, the classy design of Born in Roma features a pyramidal shape inspired by Roman architecture. It is both elegant and classic with a multifaceted black finish for that modern signature look. The look and feel paired with an alluring fragrance blend is the definition of prestige and power.
7. Luna Rossa Ocean by Prada
Prada is a notorious Italian luxury fashion company specializing in several iconic fashion accessories from bags, apparel, and more. To add to the growing collection, Prada added a line of addictive fragrances, including Luna Rossa Ocean, a cologne highly sought after by men of sophistication.
Subtle notes of freshness stem from ingredients such as bergamot, lavender, and sage, mixed with the essence of vetiver and iris root. This hearty cocktail of citrus leaves a sense of freshness in its wake. Without a doubt, the Luna Rossa Ocean is by far a must-have for any young man’s cologne collection, or the start of one.
8. Invictus Victory by Paco Rabanne
Invictus Victory by Paco Rabanne lives up to its name. This accomplished cologne is one of a kind, with notes of seduction and power. Citrusy notes of lemon influence freshness, while highlights of vanilla and tonka bean seal the deal with a fiery embrace.
This cologne is the anchor point where freshness meets sensuality, creating a powerful, long-lasting fragrance. Designed with timelessness and transcendence in mind, it delivers a victorious finish all year round. Invictus Victory is the embodiment of modern masculinity.
9. PI BY Givenchy
PI by Givenchy captures the essence of Mandarin and pine needle with subtleties of rosemary and benzoin. PI is for those who seek adventure and thrill with a strong sense of sensuality.
This magnetic fragrance showcases an intense woody accord blended with tones of a vanilla-like aroma. The luxurious design of the bottle, paired with its enlightening lingering scent, makes for business and pleasure.
10. Polo Black Eau de Toilette by Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren never ceases to amaze, and with its sophisticated fragrance Polo Black Eau de Toilette, the sky’s the limit. This fragrance delivers a powerful punch of bold fusions showcasing iced mango, silver armoise, and tones of patchouli noir. With its refreshing woodsy aroma, it is fit for any occasion.
The tones of sandalwood and patchouli exude a sense of traditional power designed to elevate masculinity. It’s no wonder young men tend to gravitate naturally towards this fragrance. Its deeply-rooted intensity is like no other with tonka bean, sage, lemon, and tangerine notes.
11. Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme by Armani Beauty
The Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme enlightens young men with an intense warmth of an earthy and woody fragrance. Subtle notes of marine, bergamot, and cedarwood open with a sensation of relaxation and sophistication. It also features rosemary, persimmon, and patchouli aquatic subtleties for a fresh, clean feeling.
It goes without saying that this fragrance resembles innovation at its finest in a bottle. It creates the perfect balance of purity and warmth as a clean-water-influenced scent. Any young man will bask in the benefits of this expertly crafted cologne cocktail.
12. L’Homme Cologne Bleue by Yves Saint Laurent
L’Homme Cologne Bleue is where minimalism meets sophistication. This refreshing and aromatic aquatic-inspired cologne is the epitome of cool, calm, and collected. It was designed to personify with a sensual and intriguing fragrance that is long-lasting and leaves a fresh, clean feeling behind.
The inspiration behind the L’Homme cologne stems from the cooling scents and peacefulness of the ocean and the freedom it represents. To pair with the coolness, there are highlights of citrus notes, including blood orange, grapefruit, and bergamot, to name a few. In contrast, these zesty tones are enriched with spicy aromas of cardamom and black pepper.
Altogether, this soothing composition contrasts nicely with a woody base to bring a balance of sensuality and purity. Elegance is spoken for in the fragrance itself and the minimal yet sophisticated design.
13. Pomegranate Noir Cologne by Jo Malone London
Another timeless and elegant cologne for young men is this dashing infusion of sensuality we call Pomegranate Noir Cologne. This daring combination features rich pomegranate with pink pepper and Casablanca Lily to add a little bit of spice. The refreshing fragrance ends with a beguiling woody base of smoky Guaiac and patchouli.
The exotic red juices deliver a refreshing quality, while the heady floral blend creates an aura of sensuality for a warm finish. This dark and eccentric cologne is ideal for a quick spritz on the pulse points.
14. Oud Silk Mood Eau de Parfum by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
The colorless Oud Silk Mood by Maison Francis Kurkdjian creates a harmonious balance for a year-round fragrant delight. It highlights a provocative contrast of airy and steamy. It opens with tones of Italian Bergamot and Moroccan Blue Chamomile and ends with notes of Bulgarian Rose, Guaiac Wood, and Hedione.
For the woody aroma, it solidifies with Laotian Oud and Indian Papyrus. It is a match made in a bliss that leaves a mystery of power and rigor combined with vibrancy and sustainability. Overall, Oud Silk Mood envelopes and captivates with its fresh and enchanting floral, woody aroma.
15. Cannabis eau de parfum by Malin+Goetz
As time progresses, the infamous cannabis industry continues to flourish with new developments every year. From edible delectables to medicinal necessities and fashionable accessories, cannabis is an ever-evolving product. Malin+Goetz introduces a robust cannabis-inspired cologne.
In today’s day and age, young men around the world bask in this THC-free botanical aroma. The fragrance brings balance to rich, spicy tones of black pepper and bergamot and fresh, floral notes of magnolia and Muguet.
Inhaling the deep earthy base of cedarwood, patchouli, and sandalwood renders a wave of nostalgia without the renowned lingering side effects. The fragrance first launched in 2010 and has since become a modern apothecary staple for a young man’s cologne collection.
16. Pacific Cannabis by Baxter of California
Like the Malin+Goetz cannabis-inspired cologne above, the Pacific Cannabis paves the way for California cannabis in a bottle. The vibrant scent opens with fresh pink pepper, rosemary, and bergamot notes.
A healthy mix of lavender and sage collide effortlessly with the signature tonka bean. A note of patchouli enhances the overall blend while deepening the level of nostalgia. In the end, it is complemented with notes of driftwood for a fulfilling finish.
17. Imagination by Louis Vuitton
Imagination begins with an open mind and the ambition to test the limits. In essence, that is what Louis Vuitton hopes to accomplish with their line of Imagination. This aromatic citrus cologne for young men highlights notes of citron, Calabrian bergamot, and Sicilian orange, to name a few.
A few base notes include Chinese black tea, guaiac wood, and ambroxan. This contemporary and sensual fragrance encompasses masculine elegance and energy that can help turn bold dreams into a reality.
18. Bad Boy Le Parfum by Carolina Herrera
This new leather fragrance by Carolina Herrara is another cannabis cologne first launched in 2021. It possesses a bold yet sensual experience that energizes and electrifies. Bad Boy is a provocative and elusive wearable cocktail best worn at night with an unapologetic fiery spin.
The primary notes of grapefruit and hemp marry well with the spicy aroma that stems from the black pepper and geranium. It ends with a surprising warmth of leather and woody vetiver. Adding to the mystery, the Bad Boy lightning bolt design reaches new heights of sophistication and flair with its iconic matte black appearance.
19. CHANEL Allure Homme Sport Eau de Toilette
Allure Homme Sport by CHANEL is an energizing fragrance built for young men who appreciate the great outdoors and live a life of adventure. The scent features fresh notes of Italian Mandarin, crystalline, nutty tonka, and invigorating notes of cedar. All of which create an undoubtedly powerful blend of freshness that envelopes and enchants.
Unlike other robust fragrances on this list, the Allure Homme Sport intensifies based on body heat. For longer lasting experiences, it can help to apply the fragrance to knees and elbows and dab lightly into the skin.
How to choose the right cologne
There is just something about being complimented on what you smell like from a stranger. As a man, it will undoubtedly leave us feeling in high spirits for the rest of our day. At the bottom line, fragrance matters, and it matters even more that we pair with the right one.
A good cologne will increase attractiveness while empowering confidence deep from within. Although, the majority of the male population are either not wearing cologne or choosing the wrong one. It all starts with educating oneself on the types of colognes available on the market. Here are a few tips when choosing the right cologne.
Cologne life cycles broken down
There are three essential components to a fragrance; the top, medium, and base notes. Altogether, these components are what make up the entirety of the scent we smell.
Top Note
The top note is what opens us up to the fragrance. The initial smell hits our nostrils immediately and can last anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours. These notes can vary in subtle floral, citrus, fruity, and spicy scents, to name a few.
Medium Note
Medium notes, on the other hand, also known as heart notes, are the primary components of a fragrance. The medium notes help add another layer of dimension to the aroma as it builds off of the top notes. These notes tend to last anywhere from three to five hours after spritzing. Popular notes include heavier floral, woodsy, and spicy scents with a hint of fruity aromas.
Base Note
Base notes are often considered the foundational components of a fragrance. However, they are the last notes to develop but are often the most powerful as they trickle in later in the day. Base notes tend to last anywhere from five to ten hours. The popular base notes include sandalwood, vanilla, leather, tobacco, and musk, to name a few.
Ask people who smell good
We all have that one individual in our lives who does an excellent job of always smelling good. If a cologne smells good to you, don’t be shy and ask good-smelling folks what they wear. It can be interesting to learn why that person chose the scent they are wearing. If they smell good, they are doing something right.
Do not be afraid to test before buying
Most often than not, cologne brands will have testers that customers can take advantage of. It provides the opportunity to test the product before committing. The last thing anyone wants is to fork out a generous amount of money for a cologne that gives them headaches.
Some testers are free, while others require a small fee. In either case, it is well worth the trial to ensure you invest in the right cologne that fits your lifestyle. At the end of the day, we want to look for fragrances that complement our natural body aroma throughout the day.
It can be natural to fall head over heels with the top notes since these notes deliver the first impression of the fragrance. If testing in a department store, avoid giving in to the first cologne that is tested. Instead, walk around the store and allow the medium and base notes to come out before committing to buying the first cologne. Ultimately, this test will determine whether the cologne compliments the natural scent or competes with it.
Which cologne bottle size is best?
Fortunately, the fragrance industry is filled with all shapes, sizes, and colors of cologne. Sizes can range from 1 oz to 3.4 oz and sometimes bigger. While these sizes may sound and look small, it is no secret that a quick spritz can go a long way.
As a young man new to the cologne game, it would be better to start with smaller bottles. Not only is there less risk, but there is always plenty of room to grow into different scents.
Best practices for wearing men’s cologne
Just as anything else, it is possible to have too much of something, and cologne is no different. Additionally, there are some best practices to keep in mind when applying men’s cologne for the optimal experience. Please keep reading for a list of dos and don’ts when it comes to wearing cologne.
There is a such thing as too much cologne
One too many sprays can make a world of difference. The last thing someone wants to experience is having heads turn the minute they walk into a room, but not because you smell good. Less is more in this case, and excessive amounts of cologne can be both irritating and distracting.
Not to mention, it could cause headaches and potential allergic reactions if not used properly. Cologne only needs to be spritzed once or twice peruse.
The best time to wear cologne
Another crucial factor to consider when shopping around for the best colognes for young men is when to wear them. The best time to wear cologne is dependent on the person and the type of cologne. Some colognes are designed to be worn daily, whereas others make more sense to be worn on a special occasion.
Since some fragrances can be more potent than others, they tend to be more favored for a night on the town or a special event. It is helpful to note that a popular time to apply cologne is right after the shower when the skin is warm and hydrated.
Hydrating and moisturizing the skin is key
Not only is moisturizing good for the skin, but it can also help with locking in the fragrance for a more extended period of time. Usually, it is recommended to use an unscented moisturizer or one that matches with the cologne to lock in the fragrance. Applying cologne to dry, unmoisturized skin will result in the cologne not sticking to the skin and, therefore, evaporating faster.
Vaseline has also been known to benefit a longer-lasting scented experience. Though it is not necessary, applying vaseline to the pulse points will prep the skin and lock in the scent. Pulse points are warmer areas on the body, making diffusing the fragrance easier.
Cologne Clouds are out of style
Sometimes, it is easier to spray a cloud of cologne and walk through it with the hopes of it capturing every part of the body. While it may look cool, it is not as effective as many would like to believe. The fragrance is more likely to land on the floor and walls than it is on clothes and skin.
Instead, apply cologne about three to six inches away from the skin in a spritzing motion. Do this same practice to clothing to help make the fragrance last longer. And always try to remember that a little goes a long way.
Dab, dab, dab
It might feel more natural to rub the cologne into the skin, but this is ineffective in the long run. Rubbing the cologne into the skin will only tear down the fragrance molecules. In the end, this diminishes the scent. Instead, it is more effective to gently dab the product into the skin to get the most out of the fragrance.
Standard shelf life for men’s cologne
Unlike other perfumes, the average shelf life for men’s cologne can last anywhere from three to five years. Some cologne’s can last even longer if they have a composition that consists of heavier base notes that are oil-based. Other long-lasting fragrances include those with notes of citrus.
When the fragrance starts to smell sour or metallic, it is time to toss it. That unwelcoming smell usually means the fragrance degrades or has oxidized, which causes the scent to fade significantly faster. The colgon should be kept away from bright direct light, humidity, and extensive heat.
Layering fragrances
There is a difference between layering fragrances and over-applying the product. Layering is a best practice that adds extra enrichment and dimension to the fragrance. Some consider it a wearable cocktail with an alluring aroma.
Starting with a base layer when layering fragrances, something with a faint aroma, such as a body wash, is crucial. The next layer is a moisturizing step that locks in the scent. Layer colognes, starting with the most potent smell, work down to the faintest fragrance to seal the deal.
This practice will not only help the DIY fragrance last longer but also create a healthy balance, so one cologne is not overpowering the rest. Of course, ensure the colognes would mix well together before applying
