37 best men's fragrances and aftershaves for a can't-go-wrong gift
Shopping for the best men’s fragrances never gets easier. I should know, because whenever my husband’s birthday/our anniversary/Christmas comes around, I always find myself endlessly scrolling through hundreds of eau de parfums, colognes and aftershaves only to end up second-guessing myself and going back to square one. And don’t even get me started on shopping for dads, brothers and friends…
But regardless of gender, it’s no secret that choosing a new fragrance online – be it for yourself or someone else – can be a daunting task. 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, though, you may even help the person on the receiving end discover their new signature scent. Many even work well as a unisex fragrance too, making it a great gift for yourself too – *wink-wink*.
Below, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide of the best aftershaves for men that they never knew they wanted on their wishlist, 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, serum, body spray and body lotion to match.
Best men's fragrances at a glance – our top picks:
- Best men's fragrance overall: Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette, £69, Boots
- Best smoky men's fragrance: Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette, £120, Cult Beauty
- Best everyday men's fragrance: Hugo Boss BOSS Bottled After Shave, £45, LookFantastic
- Best long-lasting men's fragrance: Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum Spray, WAS £220 NOW £176, LookFantastic
A fail-proof guide to picking the best men’s fragrance:
- Consider their current favourites: If you’re shopping for a partner that you live with, try to pay close attention to the fragrances that he tends to reach for on the daily and try to get a sense of the kind of scents that he loves. Is he into oud and leather, or is he into lighter musky scents?
- Note down his dislikes: Same principle. Knowing his dislikes and “fragrance icks” is just as important as being aware of his favourites. Are there any fragrances that he has that you never see him wear? Try to also pay close attention whenever he comments on home fragrances like scented candles and diffusers, as well as other people’s perfumes. He might not be the biggest fan of vanilla or he might find that oud-y scents are “too loud” for his liking.
- Help him discover new fragrances: Remember that not everyone is comfortable with adding a new fragrance to their collection. If your partner still uses the same cologne from his uni days, there’s no need to judge him. Instead, try to gently introduce him to something new by occasionally going on a “perfume smelling” date, where you both go to spritz your way through a perfume hall to uncover his new favourites. Another great way to do that is by potentially gifting him a discovery set full of sampled fragrances.
After more new-in fragrance content? Shop floral fragrances, zesty perfumes, vanilla perfumes and perfume gift sets aplenty. We also have plenty of hair care, wellness and makeup buying guides, all of which feature hundreds upon hundreds of products that are worth adding to your checkout *right now*.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Read on to check out our edit of the best men's fragrances that he'll genuinely appreciate…
Best men's fragrance overall
Why we love it: Inspired by wide-open spaces, blue skies, rocky landscapes and the scent of a white-hot desert beneath the burning sun. This iconic EDT takes its cue from its name "Sauvage" or wild. Imagine what a suave, liquor-swilling cowboy would smell like and you're just about there. A best-selling classic and a must-have.
Enjoy more savings when you shop for the best men's aftershaves with these Boots discount codes.
Best everyday men's aftershave
Hugo Boss BOSS Bottled After Shave
Why we love it: Infused with an olfactory blend of fresh, fruity and spicy accords, this masculine scent is bold and vibrant while at the same time being suitable for everyday use. The best part is that even once the top and middle notes disappear, you'll be left with a warm base of sandalwood, cedar and vetiver.
Best smoky men's fragrance
Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette
Why we love it: La La Land in a bottle. This fragrance captures the feeling of a New York jazz club with distinct notes of vanilla bean, tobacco leaf and rum absolute. The best part? It's completely unisex and perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Best men's fragrance with oud notes
Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum Spray
Why we love it: You can never go wrong with Tom Ford. As part of the brand's range of men's, women's and unisex fragrances, this intoxicating and intriguing oud-infused eau de parfum is the perfect addition to a more formal and elegant look.
Best men's fragrance for dinners out
Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Toilette
Why we love it: One of Prada's newest fragrances that's infused with bergamot as well as vetiver, tonka bean, and elegant notes of iris. It's also enveloped in a blend of patchouli, which makes the fragrance addictive and irresistible.
Enjoy more savings when you shop for the best men's aftershaves with these Boots discount codes.
Best men's fragrance for everyday wear
Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Eau de Toilette for Him
Why we love it: Inspired by Lacoste's iconic polo shirt, this woody, floral fragrance for men features notes of cardamom, Mexican tuberose and suede. A clean, crisp and fresh aftershave that's perfect for more casual everyday wear.
Enjoy up more savings when you shop for the best men's aftershaves with these Boots discount codes.
Best men's fragrance with a spicy scent
Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: The Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Eau de Parfum spray is a woody and spicy aftershave fragrance that has almost a 'retro vibe' thanks to the inclusion of rose and chilli pepper. At the same time, the scent also has notes of patchouli and cedarwood that highlight its richness and sensuality.
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Best men's fragrance for a late night out
Jo Malone London Whisky & Cedarwood Cologne
Why we love it: Known for a wide range of fragrances such as oud & bergamot, myrrh & tonka and basil & neroli, this cologne from Jo Malone gives of notes of fine whisky, spicy pimento and warm cedarwood. In other words, it's perfect for late nights when you want to dress to impress.
Best men's fragrance with woody notes
Cerruti 1881 Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray
Why we love it: This distinctive fragrance from Cerruti belongs in the citrus family and is both discreet and refreshing. It combines spicy, herbal notes with lingering undertones of shady, velvety woods. Overall, it even gives an impression of the great outdoors.
Enjoy more savings when you shop for the best men's aftershaves with these Boots discount codes.
Best men's fragrance for date night
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: Hailing from one the best perfumeries in the world, this fragrance features top and middle notes of warm vanilla, benzoin and tonka beans, which pave the way for the resinous aroma of the Spanish cistus plant. Bold, passionate and perfect for date night.
Best men's aftershave with refreshing notes
Aramis Classic Aftershave Splash
Why we love it: A distinctly masculine, warm and sophisticated fragrance. This aftershave splash is perfect for refreshing and toning a freshly shaved face while also helping heal minor nicks and scrapes. It has top notes of citrus and bergamot oils, followed by the heart notes of warm sage, cardamom, clove and sandalwood and a base of leather and oak moss.
Best men's fragrance for a stronger scent
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau De Toilette
Why we love it: The Spicebomb Eau de Toilette from Viktor & Rolf is bold – I mean, look at its shape. Its scent matches its explosive appearance too, thanks to its top notes of bergamot and grapefruit as well as cold spices, elemi and pink pepper. The fragrance is rounded off with a heart of incandescent spices, chilli and saffron, which develop into a base of leather, tobacco and woody vetiver.
Best men's fragrance with warm notes
David Beckham Instinct Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: Who wouldn't want to smell like David Beckham? This men's eau de toilette begins with a flash of Italian bergamot, grapefruit and mandarin leaf notes, followed by a blend of spicy red pimento, warm star anise and fusing cardamom notes. The scent ends with a wave of Haiti vetiver, intense patchouli and a hint of white amber.
Best men's fragrance for evening wear
Valentino Born in Roma Yellow Dream For Him Eau de Toilette
Why we love it: In need of a fragrance that's tailored for city life? This amber spicy men's cologne features top notes of Italian mandarin and pineapple, before transforming into heart notes of baked gingerbread and a base of Madagascan vanilla and cedarwood. Great for warming up your evening, especially as we get deeper into autumn.
Best men's fragrance with a mild scent
Clinique Happy For Men Cologne Spray
Why we love it: Cool, crisp and with a hit of citrus. This refreshing men's fragrance has a long-lasting yet mild scent that's bound to become a favourite post-shaving and for more casual everyday wear.
Best unisex men's fragrance
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: This unisex eau de parfum is addictive and alluring, thanks to a warm, musky fragrance that reminds us of the American Wild West. So good, your partner is bound to borrow it (or claim it, one or the other).
Best men's fragrance for summer
Davidoff Cool Water Man Eau de Toilette
Why we love it: There's nothing more refreshing than an eau de toilette inspired by the ocean. Its scent features aromatic notes of mint, lavender and amber. A unique fragrance that's perfect for delivering a feeling of immediate freshness.
Enjoy up to 50% when you shop for the best aftershave for men with these Boots discount codes.
Best men's fragrance with gourmand notes
Why we love it: Kayali is well-known for its range of products designed around perfume layering, and this cappuccino-inspired fragrance is no exception. It comes with notes of coffee, rose, geranium and oud, making it a very complex and sophisticated fragrance that's bound to pair well with your other favourites.
Best men's fragrance with a fresh scent
Why we love it: This Dior eau de toilette is powerful and fresh. It holds the promise of an intensely woody masculinity, thanks to notes of atlas cedar, patchouli heart and vetiver. And if you want to enhance the scent even further, layer it with your favourite skincare products as well as a pleasant shower gel and body lotion. Perfection.
Best men's fragrance with notes of leather
Carolina Herrera Bad Boy Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: Yes, I know what you're thinking – this fragrance is exactly as electrifying as it looks. Encapsulating the scent of masculinity, this unique woody perfume features notes of leather, which provides the perfect foundation for further hints of spicy black pepper and fresh grapefruit.
Best men's fragrance from Jimmy Choo
Jimmy Choo Man Blue Eau de Toilette
Why we love it: Clary sage? Leather? Sandalwood? This relaxing fragrance for men is full of life and self-confidence – in other words, perfect for anyone looking for an extra boost to their self-confidence. Did we mention that it's creamy and sensual too, thanks to notes of vanilla and vetiver?
Best men's fragrance from Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren Polo Red Eau de Toilette
Why we love it: Seeing red? We're not surprised – this bold, spicy and energising fragrance is inspired by the aesthetic of classic cars. It features prominent notes of red grapefruit, red saffron and redwood – and no, that's not too much redness.
Enjoy more savings when you shop for the best aftershave for men with these Boots discount codes.
Best sophisticated men's fragrance
Why we love it: Between a woody scent of oakmoss, cedarwood and birch coupled with fruity notes of apple, blackcurrant, pink pepper and bergamot, there's just so much to be enjoyed. Ideal for anyone looking for something a little sophisticated.
Best men's fragrance for a vintage aroma
Why we love it: This magical elixir smells like it came straight from a vintage French film shot on the streets of Paris, thanks to hints of vanilla absolute and cedarwood as well as base notes of white musk. Sweet, woody and musky – perfect for someone who's more old-fashioned.
Best invigorating men's fragrance
Why we love it: There's a very simple reason why this perfume is housed in a bottle shaped like a trophy – it smells like victory. Features notes of Guaiac wood, patchouli, ambregis accord, grapefruit zest, marine accord and laurel leaf.
Best men's fragrance with notes of vanilla
Parfums De Marly Althair Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: Thanks to Parfums De Marly, you can discover the gourmand beauty of Bourbon vanilla. And coupled with a blend of citrus, spices and woods, you'll quickly be able to tell how easy it is to love.
Best men's fragrance with notes of leather
Tom Ford Signature Ombre Leather Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: One of the most memorable fragrances that Tom Ford has to offer – and trust us when we say that's very high praise. This eau de parfum is centred around floral-leather notes that also hides an unexpected rush of white floral and jasmine sambac.
Best men's fragrance with notes of Sicilian lemon
Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne
Why we love it: A timeless fragrance that carries the freshness of orange and Sicilian lemon as well as the warmth of sandalwood and cedar. Just spritz it on after a shower or bath and you'll spend the whole day dreaming of a holiday in Italy.
Best couture-inspired men's fragrance
Givenchy Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: One of Givenchy's newest fragrances. It's bold and memorable, carrying notes of sage, cardamom, vetiver, cedarwood and sandalwood. Edgy yet refined – just like the modern gentlemen.
Best men's fragrance with notes of amber
Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: This Dolce & Gabbana fragrance is aptly named – it definitely is the one for you. Offering a deeper fragrance experience, it features notes of grapefruit, basil, orange blossom, ginger and amber.
Best men's fragrance with marine notes
Tom Ford Oud Minérale Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: This eau de parfum combines the power of land and sea with aquatic and woody notes of salt, fire balsam, seaweed, agarwood and musk. Seriously, just a spritz or two will send anyone around you on an aromatic journey.
Best men's fragrance with citrus notes
Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Homme Eau de Toilette
Why we love it: What an aromatic journey this eau de toilette is. It opens with citrusy notes of bergamot, green tangerine, lemon and lime, before paving the way for nutmeg, persimmon, amber and patchouli. One of the best fragrances for summertime.
Best men's fragrance with notes of lavender
Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: This men's perfume from YSL features a woody aroma with nuances of lavender, geranium and sage. It's modern, masculine, elegant and suits virtually any occasion.
Best spicy men's fragrance
Emporio Armani Stronger With You Eau de Toilette
Why we love it: Looking for something a bit more spicy? Say no more. This invigorating perfume features notes of cardamom, pink pepper, chestnut and vanilla, which together combine to form a captivating blend of aromas.
Best men's fragrance with ambery notes
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau de Toilette Spray
Why we love it: In this masculine fragrance, notes of mint, artemesia, orange blossom, sandalwood and cedar come together to create an unconventional yet playful concoction. Plus, just look at how stylish the bottle is too.
Best men's fragrance with pepper notes
Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L'Homme Le Parfum Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: Evening and night-time outings tend to call for a different kind of vibe, which is where this YSL fragrance comes in. It's perfectly seductive, thanks to notes of black pepper, anise, vetiver and vanilla. Phew.
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Best men's fragrance with earthy notes
Versace Eros for Men Eau de Toilette
Why we love it: If you want something a bit more down-to-earth yet elegant, check out this eau de toilette from Versace. It features notes of crisp green apple, mint leaves and lemon zest, which then pave the way for a middle and base of ambroxan, geranium, oak moss and cedarwood.
