Vogue’s guide to the 35 best colognes for men

No matter what your sensory preferences are though, just remember that there is no such thing as the best colognes for men—some simply won’t match your personality, and what you like could also depend on the season, vibe, and mood you’re feeling that day. That’s part of the fun of experimenting with different fragrances—don’t be afraid to try something new.

In your exploration, do not let the note classifications deter you. Generally speaking, top notes refer to smells on first whiff, middle notes are typically the heart of the fragrance, and base notes are the aromas that tend to linger on the skin. Understanding this can, of course, inform your buy. Once you become more comfortable with scent profiles, you’ll be able to distinguish your men’s cologne preferences—whether you gravitate towards rich musks or something light and citrusy. This fall and winter, for example, you might appreciate cosier, spicy elixirs reminiscent of evenings spent by the fire or a warm embrace.

Are colognes and perfume for men the same thing?

Colognes and perfumes for men are both excellent choices for anyone in search of a new fragrance. The difference is, however, that colognes feature a lower amount of fragrance oil in their compositions: colognes are typically formulated with 2-4% fragrance oil, the perfume features around 20%, and an eau de parfum around 15%. That said, while all of these will smell great, of course, a perfume for men or eau de parfum would last longer than a cologne.

What is the difference between eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and cologne?

“The term eau de toilette came from the French term—faire sa toilette—which means getting ready,” says Linda Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation. How long they last depends on the composition of the fragrance oil. Eau de parfums contain 15-20% fragrance oil, versus cologne, which uses 2-4%. “Eau de toilettes are much lighter than eau de parfums and have fragrance concentration between 5% and 15%.”

This story first appeared in Vogue.com

Also read:

15 fragrances that are perfect for date night

6 best perfumes you need to try this winter—from spicy and woody to fruity notes for every wardrobe

Vogue’s guide to 11 best lip balms for soft and hydrated lips this season