If you think that cologne is something you could skip in getting ready in the morning, think again. A real man completes the look with a whiff of good cologne! There are few things more attractive than a man who not only looks good but also smells good.
If you have yet to find a cologne that suits you best, there is still time to find it. We will show you the 10 best colognes you can easily buy online. And if you’re still unconvinced about which bottle to purchase, we have a buying guide, with insights and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, that can help you in making that choice.
Quick List - Top Colognes for Men
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Here are some key points to consider:
Cologne is the general term used to refer to any fragrance worn by men. But depending on the oil concentration of the fragrance you choose, it could either be eau de cologne, eau de toilette, or eau de parfum. So, what's the difference?
Smelling great does not always have to come with a hefty price tag. You can choose eau de cologne for the most affordable option of your fragrance. Some brands usually come with a perfume, eau de toilette, and cologne version of their scents. With an oil concentration of around 2 - 4 percent, the scent lasts anywhere from 2 - 4 hours.
Eau de colognes contain a small concentration of the concentrate with a corresponding higher alcohol content. This is why it generally lasts for a shorter period of time.
#AskYourDerma Tip: Don't go overboard and spritz too much at one go. Allow the cologne to develop and mature as time goes by.
If you are looking for a long-lasting fragrance that can stick to your skin all day long, then you need an eau de parfum. The oil concentration in these formulations is at around 15 - 20 percent. These are typically the most expensive fragrances with the highest concentration of scents.
Since Eau de parfums last for a longer duration of time, it's important that you try out your scent before committing to it. Remember, the smell at the end of the day is completely different from taking a whiff straight from that bottle.
Looking for a lighter fragrance that fades nicely into your skin? You should opt for eau de toilette. These formulations have around 5 - 15 percent oil concentration. What you spray in the morning fades nicely by noon. You can either touch up or layer it with another fragrance for a fresh, new scent.
Eau de toilettes are generally the middle ground between Eau de colognes and Eau de parfums.
Scents usually have a top, middle, and base note. The top notes are what you smell right upon spraying, and this usually fades within 30 minutes. The middle notes are the foundation of the fragrance. These become more prominent as soon as the top notes fade. The base notes are the final fragrance, which you can smell at the dry-down period of the scent.
Top notes are usually citrusyーthink lemon, grapefruit, and oranges. Middle notes are more well-rounded scents. Examples of these include lavender, cardamom, and cinnamon. Rich and smooth scents are usually found in base notes. These are fragrances like vanilla, sandalwood, and musk.
Fragrance notes are the sort of layers of the scent. Sort of like peeling the layers of the onion, the layers of the scent are revealed over time.
Fragrances usually fall under four scent families: floral, fresh, woody, and oriental. These scent families are defined by the most prominent scents that make them quite similar to each other. The fragrance wheel was invented by scent expert Michael Edwards to easily identify the different scents.
The most common of all scent families, floral fragrances are commonly found in well-known perfumes. Scents range from single flower scents to bouquet scents. If you think these scents tend to be more feminine, think again. There are floral oriental scents that blend flowers and spices resulting in a manly fragrance.
Floral fragrances are vast and varied. They depend on the type of flower as well as the intensity of the scent.
The East is usually associated with enticing smells of spice and herbs. The blend of these scents makes for warm and sensual aromas. Think frankincense, cinnamon, and vanilla. These rich fragrances are perfect for that hot date or a formal evening event.
Oriental fragrances are usually exotic scents from vanilla, cinnamon, jasmine. Patch test before the hot date or special event to make sure you don't develop an irritation from it.
Most men usually go for woody fragrances because of their strong masculine scents. Common notes include sandalwood and patchouli that give off a warm musky smell. These pronounced scents are sure to leave a lasting impression, especially when mixed with fresh citrus notes.
Woody scents like sandalwood are typically used as base notes. Choose based on your preference from more mellow notes to coppery ones.
If you want to smell like you just stepped out of the shower, look for fresh fragrances. These are mostly fruity, green, or water notes. A spritz of this scent makes you feel energized and stimulated. These work great year-round in a tropical country like ours.
Citrus scents like lemon, orange, herbs, and ocean scents give an overall fresh, light fragrance. Typically, these make a good option for hot, humid countries like the Philippines.
It is quite a costly investment to purchase a new cologne. If you are still in the discovery phase on your signature scent journey, it is best to play it safe and purchase smaller bottles. There are some fragrances that come in as small as 10mL bottles. Once you are ready to commit to one for the long-term, consider purchasing the bigger, 100mL colognes.
Travel-sized options are great if you want to test out a scent on your body as you do your day-to-day activities. Remember, scents tend to smell differently on different people, let alone straight from the bottle.
Do you like spraying on your cologne? Do you prefer regulating the amount of perfume on your pulse points with a rollerball? Your choice of a dispenser comes down to these two questions. Sprays allow a more even distribution of the perfume over an area, while a rollerball is better if you want more concentration on certain areas like your pulse points.
A rollerball is definitely more compact and travel-friendly; however, it is also a bit less sanitary than a spray because it comes into contact with skin. More men also prefer to use sprays because they like the luxurious sensation and ritualistic feeling of spraying perfume all over their bodies.
This is based on your preference. The nice thing about rollerball applicators is that this lessens the chances of you accidentally spraying the cologne on unintended sensitive areas, such as the face and eyes.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Chanel Bleu de Chanel Pour Homme | ![]() | Classic Go-to Masculine Scent of Millennials | |
2 | HERMÈS Eau d'Orange Verte | ![]() | An Easy to Wear Bright Scent | |
3 | Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme | ![]() | A Timeless Scent Bursting With Energy and Freshness | |
4 | Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Pour Lui Eau de Toilette | ![]() | A Crisp and Clean Scent for Casual Outings | |
5 | Jo Malone London Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense | ![]() | A Sensual and Confident Fragrance | |
6 | Diptyque L'Ombre dans L'Eau Eau De Parfum | ![]() | A Unisex Perfume With Floral Notes | |
7 | Ralph Lauren Polo Black Eau de Toilette | ![]() | A Woodsy Scent for a Formal Occasion or a Romantic Date | |
8 | Amouage Reflection Eau de Parfum | ![]() | An Intensely Concentrated and Intoxicating Blend of Oriental Notes | |
9 | Calvin Klein Defy | ![]() | The Perfect Blend of Florals and Aromatics for Hot Days | |
10 | Givenchy Gentleman Eau de Toilette Intense | ![]() | A Balance of Fresh and Smoky Notes |
This fragrance is just spot-on seductive. It opens up with citrusy notes of grapefruit and a bit of pepper, fades into spicy ginger and nutmeg, and dries into cedar and white musk. It is as if the dream scent of a modern man was bottled and sold.
The popularity of this scent might mean that you probably know someone who wears it, too. Don't let that bother you, though, because it takes a certain type of confidence to carry this fragrance. If anything, it simply means that you have found your tribe of gents who share the same classic taste.
This unisex eau de toilette makes for the perfect anniversary gift. It can easily be shared by a couple, a great scent to leave in the bathroom sink for conjugal use. What is great about using this for men is the fresh, bright scent that is non-threatening and youthful.
Its citrus explosion comes mostly from oranges, and it is layered with mint. If you are on the lookout for a fresh smell that feels like a grownup's baby cologne, this is perfect for you. It is suitable for our warm weather, and you can expect to smell good until the end of the day!
This fragrance was launched in 1994 as the first masculine scent of Issey Miyake, and it is still on the shelves for a good reason. It has that effortless elegance that turns heads with every whiff. The smell is strong and confident without being overbearing.
This fragrance has that crisp and clean scent down pat. It opens up with a burst of yuzu, a citrus scent that is distinctively Japanese. It is followed by a watery scent that smells refreshing, with a hint of warm cinnamon spice. If you're looking for a product with a fresh vibe, you can't go wrong with this classic.
There's something about putting on a freshly-ironed shirt in the morning that makes you feel ready to take on the day. A spritz of this cologne does wonders in completing the look. It gives off the vibe that even if your fashion choices are intentional, it is still casual. It sends the idea that this man cares about how he looks without overdoing it.
The clean scent of this eau de toilette can turn heads from the golf course to the PTA meeting. While there are distinctive floral notes in the scent, it does not cross the line into the feminine territory. Instead, it smells like a bouquet of freshly picked flowers that still carries the smell of the earth - fresh, crisp, and clean.
There is this sensual confidence that can only be powered by a glass of good wine. This is the vibe you get from this cologneーit is all at once intense yet soft, and reminiscent of rich and verdant vineyards. It is a unisex fragrance that leans more towards the masculine.
It opens up with a pronounced aromatic freshness of cypressーstrong and confident, with a bit of moss. It gives way to a hint of lavender and grapevine, transporting you to your favorite Italian vineyard. Finally, it settles in softly to an earthy warmth, like a damp garden after a summer rain.
This unisex eau de parfum instantly transports you to a summertime picnic in a lush, green field of flowers, with a basket full of sweet and fresh fruit by your side. The citrusy and woodsy notes of blackcurrant buds, fresh rose, and aromatic petitgrain bring nature to you and everyone else in the room.
This can be a reliable, everyday scent, perhaps during a normal weekday in the office or laidback hangouts with friends. With its light and fresh scent, one whiff of this perfume can brighten anyone's day and bring back clear memories of an exciting, fun, and nostalgic summer.
This Ralph Lauren woodsy scent is both strength and sweetness packaged in a bottle. With its earthy sandalwood and patchouli base, you can give your date or colleagues an intoxicating and lasting first impression. The fruity and tropical top notes of iced mango, lemon, and tangerine would also add to the light-hearted romance and pleasure of your date night.
Lastly, the sweet and crisp mix of tonka bean and sage would surely make anyone you shake hands or share tables with, smile. The result is an eau de toilette that is both rough and affable, a combination of contrasting properties that actually complement each other perfectly.
Unmistakably masculine, Amouage Reflection is your go-to for sophistication. This is exactly what you would wear for an important meeting or conference for one final touch to instantly transform you into the best man in the room.
Nonetheless, the earthy and leathery base notes of vetiver and patchouli, punchy and citrusy notes of red pepper berries and bitter orange leaves, and sweet florals of orris, jasmine, and ylang-ylang all strike the perfect balance to make it a timeless and suitable scent for virtually any occasion.
Since it's light, it's perfect for use at school, the office, or while running your daily errands. Additionally, thanks to its grassy, floral, and sweet accords, it'll keep you smelling fresh even as you sweat throughout the day.
The aromatic smell of this perfume is well-suited for the new dad. It is all about balancing parenting duties with a day job, wanting to smell fresh yet all grown up. The hint of floral from the blue iris, mixed with woody cypress and cedarwood, gives it that enticing masculine scent with an air of sweetness and sophistication.
If you are leaning towards a floral scent, this is a great way to balance it with musk. The powdery blue iris gives way to basil and bergamot, a merging of scents that works beautifully, especially during colder months. Exuding both gentleness and strength, this is a great holiday gift for the hardworking first-time dad.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina.
Ready to become a complete gentleman? Here are some helpful links worth checking out for that journey. You just might find something new to level up your style!
Author: Laura Mercado
Editor and Re-editor: R. Umlas, Beatrice Fajardo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Chanel|Bleu de Chanel Pour Homme
No. 2: HERMÈS|Eau d'Orange Verte
No. 3: Issey Miyake|L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme
No. 4: Lacoste|L.12.12 Blanc Pour Lui Eau de Toilette
No. 5: Jo Malone London|Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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