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Cologne is integral to your overall style, and makes a statement about your personality
Best Colognes
Cologne is integral to your overall style, and makes a statement about your personality. Every man should have several colognes in his collection. After all, versatility is the sign of a competent man. Having a good cologne can give you the confidence and stamina you need to get through the day, or a special event.
Some men believe all you need is a good soap, and that’s it. Soap is important, of course, but it’s also important to have a signature scent. Wearing a scent that suits your personality will ensure you come across as a well-rounded man who is comfortable in his skin. And, of course, wearing the right cologne will make you more attractive to the ladies.
If you want to finally start using cologne, or are growing bored with your current collection, it’s time to head to the store to begin the search. To find the cologne that suits you, it’s crucial to know which ones are worth shelling out for.
We’ve done the research, and have uncovered the top-rated, best-selling colognes for men. These are the 35 best-smelling colognes you need to try out at least once in your lifetime.
The most delectable, longest-lasting, unique-smelling cologne on the market is Atlantis by Blu Atlas. It’s often sold out due to high demand, so we highly suggest getting this affordable, 100% natural cologne while you can.
This versatile cologne will ensure you smell phenomenal all day long, and on any occasion. Looking for a cologne you can wear no matter the season? Atlantis by Blu Atlas will be the No. 1 choice to satisfy your fragrance needs.
Top Notes: Clary Sage, Patchouli, Bergamot.
Fragrance Family: Aromatic, Earthy.
A sexy man needs a seductive, alluring cologne to match, and that’s where Luna Rossa Black by Prada comes in. This intense cologne is for men who are full of passion and have a natural suaveness. Fresh, sexy and crisp, Luna Rossa Black by Prada smells devilishly divine.
Top Notes: Orange Essence, Lavender.
Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy.
You’ll be teleported back to your favorite beach vacation when you spray on Costa Azzurra by Tom Ford. Inside this gorgeous, eye-catching bottle, an invigorating scent is ready to make you smell inviting and fancy. Cyprus, lemon and oakwood notes envelop your senses, immediately winning you over.
Top Notes: Lemon, Cypress, Oakwood.
Fragrance Family: Earthy, Woody.
If you’re a fan of aquatic fragrances for men, Polo Deep Blue by Ralph Lauren will blow you away from the first spray. This addictive cologne with its fresh notes of mango and cypress should be in every man’s collection.
Top Notes: Deep Ocean Accord, Hawaiian Green Mango, Cypress Oil.
Fragrance Family: Fresh.
Grab a bottle of L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake and start counting how many compliments come your way after you apply some of this alluring cologne. This is a clean, potent fragrance with spicy top notes and a satisfying masculine undertone.
Top Notes: Cinnamon Nutmeg, Yuzu, Sandalwood.
Fragrance Family: Warm, Woody, Spicy.
Nothing will summon your inner masculinity like Armani Code by the veteran perfumier Giorgio Armani. Every man needs to sample the power of this classic scent at least once in his life.
Top Notes: Tonka Bean, Guac Wood, Olive Tree Blossom.
Fragrance Family: Earthy, Woody.
The definition of being a hero is being admirable and strong. A hero is someone who can handle anything. If that sounds like you, purchase some Hero by Burberry. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, but they all need a stellar cologne.
Top Notes: Bergamot, Black Pepper, Juniper, Cedarwood.
Fragrance Family: Earthy, Woody.
Easily one of the best-smelling colognes for men, Uomo Born in Roma by Valentino promises to make you the most compelling person in the room wherever you go. Turn heads with this alluring, slightly floral fragrance.
Top Notes: Vetiver, Ginger, Violet.
Fragrance Family: Spicy, Warm.
Lovers of bergamot will be obsessed with Bergamote 22 by Le Labo. Get all the bergamot you can handle with this reinvigorating, calming men’s cologne. Need a self-esteem boost? A spray of Bergamote 22 by Le Labo will take care of that straightaway.
Top Notes: Bergamot, Musk, Vetiver, Grapefruit, Cedarwood.
Fragrance Family: Citrus, Woody, Spicy.
Classic, simple, elegant: Those are just a few of the adjectives that describe how it feels to wear Coach for Men by Coach. This cologne is sure to last you all day. There’s no need to worry about having to reapply every few hours.
Top Notes: Cardamon, Vetiver, Nashi Pear.
Fragrance Family: Woody.
The roses in L’Homme à la Rose Eau de Parfum by Maison Francis Kurkdjian make for an exceptional cologne. This riveting cologne puts a masculine spin on traditional floral notes.
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Rose Oil, Clary Sage.
Fragrance Family: Floral, Woody.
Expect to sigh with happiness every time you spray on Black Cedarwood & Juniper Cologne by Jo Malone. The cedarwood in this cologne will shine through in every spray.
Top Notes: Cumin, Juniper, Cedar, Chili Pepper.
Fragrance Family: Woody, Spicy.
Smelling amazing every day is as easy as buying a bottle of Homme by Dior to add to your cologne collection. Once you let this enchanting cologne do its magic, you’ll be wondering where this has been all your life. When you wear this cologne, you’ll command the attention of everyone you encounter.
Top Notes: Cedar, Vetiver, Patchouli.
Fragrance Family: Earthy, Woody.
Are you looking for a scent that will make you stand out? Le Male Le Parfum by Jean Paul Gaultier is the fragrance for the man who lights up every room he enters.
Top Notes: Cardamom, Lavender, Vanilla.
Fragrance Family: Woody.
Simple yet potent, Eternity for Men by Calvin Klein is the perfect men’s cologne, no matter the season or the occasion. This refreshing scent leaves an enticing trail, and will have beautiful ladies sidling up to ask you what you have on.
Top Notes: Mandarin, Lavender, Sage, Sandalwood, Amber.
Fragrance Family: Aromatic, Earthy.
Fans of perfume mainstay vetiver can rejoice: Terre d’Hermès Eau Intense Vétiver is for only the most religious users of vetiver-based colognes. If you’re among the acolytes, this heady cologne will swiftly become your go-to fragrance.
Top Notes: Sichuan Peppers, Bergamot, Violet.
Fragrance Family: Earthy, Woody.
This is perhaps the most unusual fragrance for men on this list, infused with CBD oil, black pepper and lemon, and leavened with bright notes of vetiver. You can be assured you’re getting a cologne that will make you stand out with this scent from Heretic.
Top Notes: Lemon, Black Pepper, Vetiver, Hemp.
Fragrance Family: Earthy.
Do you prefer your cologne strong, with a dash of spice and a hint of freshness? Sauvage by Dior will be your best bet. Meant for the men who always ensure they are well put together, this addictive cologne deserves to win awards based on how phenomenal it smells.
Top Notes: Pepper, Bergamot, Amberwood.
Fragrance Family: Woody, Earthy.
One of the most popular colognes for men, Light Blue Pour Homme by Dolce & Gabbana is always trending due to its alluring scent. If you want to smell sexy 24/7, there’s no need to look further than Light Blue Pour Homme.
Top Notes: Aquatic Notes, Juniper, Mandarin, Oakmoss.
Fragrance Family: Fresh.
Affordable and long lasting, No. 01 Blue Sage & Tonka Men’s Cologne by Goodfellow & Co. delivers an irresistible, charming fragrance that will make you want to spray it all around your house. Though it’s affordable, this cologne lasts a long time. You can expect this cost-effective cologne to linger as long as the most expensive cologne on this list.
Top Notes: Sage, Tonka Bean.
Fragrance Family: Fresh.
In order to smell the best, you need the best-smelling cologne, and Imagination by Louis Vuittion is one of the few colognes that make you smell like heaven. This is as close as it gets to perfection in a bottle, and will look elegant in any man’s grooming cabinet.
Top Notes: Black Tea, Cedar, Ginger, Bergamot, Cinnamon.
Fragrance Family: Fresh, Spicy.
If you’re looking for something unusual but intense, try Herod by Perfums de Marly. This is an exotic, spicy and undeniably masculine scent.
Top Notes: Tobacco Leaf, Cinnamon, Pepper, Incense, Musk.
Fragrance Family: Woody, Spicy.
Ah, the crisp, fresh scent of the ocean! That’s precisely what a bottle of Blu Mediterraneo Cipresso di Toscana will evoke. This cologne is for the man who prefers fresh rather than spicy fragrances.
Top Notes: Orange, Elemi, Star Anise Accord.
Fragrance Family: Aromatic, Citrus.
When we say there’s only one cologne that can make you smell completely irresistible, we mean it. Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford reigns as the sexiest and most addictive cologne for men currently on the market.
Top Notes: Vanilla, Ginger, Tobacco Leaf.
Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy.
Dolce and Gabbana has done it again with their men’s cologne, The One for Men. Easy to differentiate from any woman’s fragrance, The One for Men makes sure you always smell the way a gentleman should: clean, calm and powerful.
Top Notes: Cardamom, Tobacco, Ginger, Cedarwood.
Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy.
Goodies-goodies need not apply when it comes to Bad Boy by Carolina Herrera. Release your alter ego after spritzing on some of this charming cologne. If you’re a man who’s a bit rough around the edges (or who wants to come across that way), pick up a bottle of this.
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Clary Sage, White Pepper, Tonka Bean, Cocoa.
Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy.
It’s amazing what you can accomplish with a couple of pumps of Acqua Viridi by Sigil. Confidence is 25% mindset, 25% what you wear…and 25% how you smell! This cologne will ensure you smell 100% irresistible. Who doesn’t want to smell like the sexiest man in the room?
Top Notes: Blue Cypress, Seaweed, Khella, Petitgrain.
Fragrance Family: Fresh, Herbal.
Be careful before trying Bleu de Chanel by Chanel. We guarantee you’ll become hooked on this cologne from first sniff. For the most tantalizing cologne available, choose this option from one of the oldest and most respected brands in the business.
Top Notes: Sandalwood Cedar, Citrus Accord, Labdanum.
Fragrance Family: Earthy, Woody.
Dark Rum by Malin+Goetz is a potent, alluring scent, aimed at the man who likes the finer things in life. Its rich, dense notes of rum and leather will sweep you back to a smoky speakeasy in the Roaring Twenties.
Top Notes: Bergamot, Anise, Plum, Leather, Rum, Vanilla.
Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy.
A staple among discerning men, Y Eau de Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent smells as elegant as the bottle looks. This seductive cologne taps into your inner god, and makes you feel like the powerful man you are. An instant confidence booster, and compliment magnet, this cologne should be on any man’s shelf.
Top Notes: Cedarwood, Lavender, Geranium.
Fragrance Family: Earthy, Woody.
The scent of nighttime summer air is what you get with A Midnight Stroll by Gucci. You’ll be seduced by this one-of-a-kind men’s cologne, which offers tantalizing mystery and a hint of transgression.
Top Notes: Incense, Cypress, Cade Wood.
Fragrance Family: Woody, Aromatic.
Elegantly spicy, Misfit by Arquiste will ensure you stand apart from your male co-workers. This is a versatile fragrance that can be worn both during the day and at night.
Top Notes: Bergamot, Lavender, Patchouli, Tonka Bean.
Fragrance Family: Earthy.
Spice is the name of the game when you choose Spicebomb Infrared by Viktor & Rolf. Never underestimate the power of a cologne that includes fiery notes of tobacco and habanero peppers.
Top Notes: Tobacco Accord, Habanero Pepper Accord, Red Berries.
Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy.
1 Million by Paco Rabanne knows exactly what a man should smell like: alluring, provocative and charming. Power through the day with 1 Million, and smell unbelievably sexy while you do so.
Top Notes: Frosted Grapefruit, Peppermint, Blood Mandarin, Tonka Bean, Patchouli, Musk, Cinnamon Bark.
Fragrance Family: Fresh, Spicy.
You can never go wrong with a bottle of the classic Eros by Versace. This cologne takes freshness to a whole new level. If you want to make buying your next cologne simple, just pick up Eros by Versace.
Top Notes: Mint Leaves, Vanilla, Orange Blossom.
Fragrance Family: Warm, Spicy.
Picking out your signature scent as a man should be an enjoyable experience. You’ll know you found a good one when the compliments start to roll in.
It isn’t a good idea to use the cards they give out in stores. Although they are meant for you to be able to sample multiple fragrances without needing to spray yourself, the cards don’t allow you to get the full-bodied effect of the scent. Spraying the cologne you want to sample on your skin is the most accurate way to get a feel for how a cologne smells.
The cheap versus expensive cologne argument comes down to personal budget and preference. Some people won’t be able to rationalize spending $375 on a 3.5 oz. bottle of cologne, while others drop that sum without hesitation.
It’s crucial to sample every cologne you’re interested in for a full 24 hours before deciding you like it. If you’re going to spend your hard-earned cash on a scent, you want to ensure it doesn’t fade away quickly.
Expensive colognes can be worth the price tag when you find one that is long-lasting. However, it’s perfectly reasonable to stick with a lower budget for men’s cologne if you find something that smells amazing and lasts you all day.
A few colognes on our list are of higher quality than others. The standout fragrances are:
Atlantis – Blu Atlas
Eros – Versace
Tobacco Vanille – Tom Ford
Armani Code – Armani
Polo Deep Blue – Ralph Lauren
Dark Rum – Malin & Goetz
These colognes have the most positive reviews out of all 35 best-smelling colognes you need to check out. Try out any of these top-rated colognes to see if one or two may be a good fit for you.
We especially recommend Atlantis by Blu Atlas for a cologne that is potent, but is not going to burn a hole in your wallet.
Everyone has a different body chemistry, and if you put Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford on three different men, each man would smell slightly different. That’s why finding a signature scent is a journey every man has to make on his own.
It’s always a good idea to build your own cologne collection. The collection doesn’t have to include 50 bottles; a small collection of several of your favorite colognes will suffice.
Having a cologne collection ensures that if you get bored of wearing one fragrance, you’ll always have another option. Many men have one cologne for daytime and one cologne for nighttime.
If you’re thinking of starting a collection, ensure you choose colognes that express different sides of your personality, and that are suitable for each season of the year.
Yes! Making your cologne last longer means you need to pay attention to how you’re applying cologne, and when you’re applying it.
The best time to apply cologne is after a shower, when your skin is warm. Heat helps fragrance stay on longer. However, cologne should always be applied to dry skin. Wait at least five minutes after getting out of the shower to give your skin time to fully dry.
Top notes are an important part of choosing the right cologne for you. Top notes are the initial scent you get from a cologne. Common top notes in colognes for men are cardamom, bergamot, tobacco, leather, musk and patchouli.
Diving into the world of cologne can be intimidating, so we have compiled a list of things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a new men’s cologne.
Note that some colognes are great year-round, while others are best suited for warmer or colder weather.
Take heed of what others are saying online about the cologne.
When sampling colognes, apply one spray of each cologne on each wrist. If you’re feeling feisty and want to test out a couple more, use both inner elbows.
Pay attention to the environment you are keeping your cologne in. A dry, cool environment is best for cologne.
Always apply your cologne to completely dry skin.
Don’t rub in your cologne after application; just let it air dry.
Don’t spray your cologne in the air, then walk into the mist – it’s a waste of cologne.
Apply cologne to the places on your body where you retain the most heat, such as the inner elbows, neck and wrists.
Remember that you want your cologne to be noticeable, but not overpowering.
If you need to reapply, do it sparingly.
No matter what cologne you decide on, we’re positive it’s going to smell phenomenal on you. With these best-smelling colognes for men, you’ll be certain to receive compliments on a daily basis.
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Behind every beautiful space is a thoughtful process, and ASID San Diego is helping homeowners understand the value of professional design.
A perfectly designed home rarely happens by accident. Those kitchens that feel effortless and rooms that seem to tell a story the second you walk in? They’re usually the work of someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.
It’s knowing which ideas will actually work, which materials will hold up over time, and how to turn a collection of choices into a space that feels intentional. That’s where a professional interior designer comes in.
For the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) California San Diego Chapter, the goal is to help people see interior design as more than just the finished look. Behind every well-designed space is a process built on technical expertise. Designers are educated in everything from professional software and construction details to building codes, space planning, materials, and functionality.
“People don’t always realize how much goes on behind the scenes,” Kirsten Recce , current president of the ASID California San Diego Chapter, says. “Our designers are not just doing furniture placement and color selection and picking out new fluffy pillows. That’s not what they’re trained for.”
ASID members bring formal education, continued learning, and industry knowledge to their projects, helping create spaces that are not only beautiful, but designed to work. A paint color that changes completely depending on the lighting. A material that looks beautiful in a showroom but doesn’t make sense for everyday life. A layout that photographs well but doesn’t function for the people living there. These are the details where professional guidance can make all the difference.
Still, one of the biggest misconceptions about hiring an interior designer is that it’s reserved for massive renovations, luxury homes, or people who already know exactly what they want. The process can feel intimidating. Where do you begin? Is a designer worth the investment? What if you only need help with one room?
ASID’s answer: start with one hour.
ASID’s Spruce Up events break down one of the biggest barriers between homeowners and professional design: knowing where to begin. Held twice a year, the community program gives homeowners the chance to work directly with an ASID designer through a one-hour, $125 consultation in their own home. Whether you’re looking for advice on furniture placement, window treatments, kitchen and bath updates, remodeling ideas, vacation rentals, color selections or something else entirely, the upcoming September 2026 event offers an approachable way to get expert guidance before committing to a full project. Signups are open through Sept. 7, with consultations taking place Sept. 21 through Oct. 31. Proceeds benefit ASID San Diego’s educational and community programs. Register here!
“It’s a great opportunity for people who are in that exploratory phase,” Recce says. “Maybe they’re not sure they want to hire an interior designer yet, or they think it sounds daunting or expensive. This gives them a chance to discover what working with a designer is actually like.”
Design is personal. A good designer isn’t just creating a beautiful room; they’re helping create a space that fits the way someone lives.
“We’re a resource to all of San Diego County,” Recce says. “It doesn’t cost anything to pick up the phone and call and ask. We’ll answer.”
Follow ASID San Diego on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for updates on upcoming events, or connect with the chapter directly at [email protected] or 619-548-8847.
A new program guides new moms through high-risk pregnancy and into the “fourth trimester”
Mai Vue was just 34 weeks pregnant when she delivered her baby. Her pregnancy had been complicated, and she’d had a recent second trimester pregnancy loss, which led to her receiving specialized care from Sean Daneshmand, MD, a Scripps Clinic perinatologist who oversees high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Daneshmand and his team took care of Mai during her pregnancy, through the birth of her healthy baby girl and beyond. Mai was part of a program Scripps launched to provide support to new moms in the weeks and months after delivery. The postpartum program, known as Scripps Health’s Fourth Trimester Continuum of Care, provides care for women with high-risk pregnancies to optimize their health after childbirth and reduce the risk of complications in future pregnancies. Click here to learn more.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Scripps Clinic’s Mohs surgery center is one of the most sophisticated in the country.
It’s estimated that one in five people in the U.S. will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. When you factor in living in a sun-soaked city like San Diego and the outdoorsy lifestyle that comes with it, that figure can jump to as high as one in three, which makes early detection and intervention all the more important. Dermatologists at Bighorn Mohs and Dermatology Center are using innovative imaging methods and advanced surgical techniques to diagnose and treat skin cancer. For certain cancers in sensitive spots, like the face, dermatologists perform Mohs surgery, removing skin tissue layer by layer until reaching healthy, cancer-free tissue. They also use a process called immunohistochemistry to view tissue samples taken during Mohs surgery in far greater detail than previous methods. Read more about how Scripps is advancing skin cancer care here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Scripps Cancer Center helps an endurance athlete overcome his greatest challenge yet and get back in the race
When endurance athlete Isaac Sanchez learned he had cancer, he felt blindsided. He was healthy, surfed often and was training for an Ironman triathlon. But he had to put that on hold to undergo treatment. His physicians at Scripps Cancer Center developed a plan to treat the cancer in his tonsil and lymph nodes that included six-and-a-half weeks of near-daily radiation and weekly chemotherapy. He also worked with a Scripps Cancer Center dietitian to enhance his nutrition to promote strength and healing. Today, Isaac’s back to doing what he loves. Read more of his story here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Innovative treatment could offer cancer patients new options with fewer side effects
Chemotherapy and radiation have long been considered gold standards of cancer treatment, but they can cause severe side effects. A promising new approach called theranostics—a combination of “therapeutics” and “diagnostics”—could offer patients with certain types of metastatic cancers new hope. It’s a two-step process that uses a drug that binds to specific receptors on cancer cells. Advanced imaging detects this radioisotope, allowing doctors to then use a second radioisotope that binds to the cancer cells and destroys them. Click here to learn more about how specialists at Scripps Cancer Center are using theranostics.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
