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It’s a bit challenging to find the right fragrances for men, especially when you’re trying to purchase a scent online. I was determined to switch up my fragrance this year, so I decided to start researching a new scent based upon the body wash fragrances I like and a reasonable budget. It was a bit overwhelming at first, with so many choices, which is why I compiled this list of best fragrances for men.
As I was searching for the perfect blend of notes, I found that the market was full of so many possibilities that I had a hard time choosing just one. Below are some of my favorite men’s fragrances, including solid colognes from Duke Cannon, St. Johns No. 77, and Santal Sky from Keirin NYC. They are not ranked in any particular order because men’s fragrances are so personal. What I love may not be in the realm of what your nose find appealing. So, use this list of best fragrances for men to find well priced brands and new scent combinations.
Although choosing the right fragrance can be challenging, it’s also important to know that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just remember that the scent can vary depending on how you feel that day and most of the time it’s someone else smelling you that matters. It’s probably best to consult with your friends or partner about how they feel about your newfound fragrance. For example, I love Old Glory body wash from Duke Cannon, but my wife thinks it smells like her childhood hamster cage.
Making Sense of Scents
Hawthorne: The Work Cologne
Hawthorne isn’t just a men’s fragrance brand, they specialize in men’s grooming and skincare. However, their fragrance isn’t just some trumped up blend of scents leftover from their skincare products. They actually had renowned perfumer Olivier Gillotin craft both scent (Work and Play). Olivier is a 5x cologne of the year winner and the nose behind such iconic fragrances as Ralph Lauren’s Polo Red Rush and 5th Avenue After Five. Hawthorne approach to men’s fragrance is unique in that they’ve developed the scents to complimentary. No, that doesn’t mean you wear them together. It means that you should be wearing them in the complimentary aspect of your life, Work and Play. Work is a clean and fresh fragrance, perfect for boardrooms; while Play is woodsy and distinct, perfect for standing out in a crowd.
What I love:
St Johns Bay: No 77
It’s a bit confusing that St. Johns Bay Run doesn’t actually make rum. Instead, they make some of the most timeless men’s fragrances that have been around for over 70 years. Bay leaf oil from the Bay Rum tree was extracted and mixed with a proprietary blend of spices to create what’s considered a distinctly masculine scent. No. 77 is the newest addition to the St Johns lineup of men’s cologne and brings with it hints of bergamot, lemon, musk, and amber. It’s a fresh scent complemented by an earthy musk, bringing back memories of my time in Hawai’i with a unique island feel. No 77 can also be purchased on Amazon.
What I love:

HONORABLE MENTION
David’s Perfume #01: Best “Perfume” for Men
You might know David Dobrik from YouTube and think “What the hell does this guy know about fragrance?” Maybe he knows nothing, maybe he’s an undercover perfumer. To be honest, I have no idea. None of that matters though because David’s Perfume #01 smells great and stays with you throughout the day. Despite being called a perfume, which I generally associate with women’s fragrance, the blend of spice and wood hits just right. This fragrance can be worn all day everyday, from the office to date night with your partner.
It All Makes Scents Now
The best fragrance for men is wildly dependent on personal preference and how a mans unique body chemistry interacts with a cologne or perfumes ingredients. While I can’t guarantee that my scent selections will be right for you, I can guarantee that you can’t go wrong with purchasing from any of the brand mentioned in this article. Let me know in the comment section which fragrance for men you chose, or if there’s a brand that should be added to this list.
Stop and Smell the Roses, Sandalwood, Bergamot, etc…
Just as every face is unique, personal preference dictates how each person feels about and interprets a fragrance. One person’s Cedarwood is another person’s hamster cage, just ask my wife. Finding the best fragrance for men is all about testing what you like and what you don’t. Luckily, picking is scent is all about fragrance and not results, like skincare. Start with your own medicine cabinets or shower to find what you like, or ask a passerby what scent they’re wearing if you like it. Don’t be shy, try bold scents, cool fragrances, and don’t forget to ask those you’re closest with about how they feel. If your partner thinks you smell like a hamster cage, then your fragrance isn’t doing its job.