Introducing the official list of my favorite colognes of the season. Spray on!
We change up our cologne almost as much as we change up our wardrobe (read: seasonally). You want to make sure your scent leaves a mark on everyone around you…without being too overpowering.
I’ve been creating and updating our cologne reviews around here since 2016 and one of the biggest things I learned is that it is so hard to pick out a cologne online, especially when you don’t really know what it smells like. So in order for me to come up with a list that you’d trust and hopefully purchase I used the following criteria:
- Is it one that I’ve actually purchased myself and use?
- Are people buzzing about it on social media?
- Does it make “best seller” lists from trusted retailers like Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, Saks, and Bloomingdale’s?
- Do the choices hit multiple budget points – not only just expensive?
The good news is that I’ve shortened this list (just 10) to colognes I’ve actually purchased myself in the past year and use (on rotation) regularly. I’ve also cross-checked the top sellers on the above mentioned retailers and cross-referenced it on social media – mainly TikTok, where the cologne video views is currently at over 27 million! Finally, I narrowed things down to a variety of price points ranging as low as only $15 and as high as $350.
If you’re struggling to figure out what “the notes” mean, overall, the notes are the notes (if that makes sense), but the overall smell is going to differ person to person and how they truly interact with your own body’s chemistry. The notes are a good overarching guide so you know what you’re getting out of the cologne, but don’t be afraid if you see a note that you may not love, it doesn’t mean the entire cologne will smell like that. It’s just how they all work together.
• Top Notes: These are typically lighter scents and what you’ll smell first.
• Base Notes: These are typically bolder and stronger scents that you’re left with after applying the cologne.
• Medium Notes: These are typically your more fruity notes that combine with your top and bottom notes. It pretty much ties everything together.
Outside of “the notes” one of the biggest trends this year is surrounding ethical, cruelty free, and vegan colognes. One of my favorites is the “Clean” brand, which you’ll find below. This year I’m working towards including more vegan and cruelty free brands to add to my list!
Whether you’re looking for something super seasonal like light and fresh or just something woodsy and warm I’ve rounded up some of the best-selling and must-smell men’s cologne picks for 2022. So many of these make classic gift ideas for any of the guys on your list too!
EDITOR’S PICK
1. Sauvage
by Dior
Smells like: Masculine bergamot, pepper, and breezy sunshine.
One of the most popular and top selling men’s cologne picks for the year, Sauvage is powerful and noble and a genius mix of all things blue sky, rugged mountains, and soft grass. While a distinctive scent it’s perfect for those calming days and nights without being overpowering. This cologne is sometimes even on sale too!
Savings: Both Nordstrom and Sephora are currently offering free shipping, while Sephora also offers 10% off with email signup.
RUNNER UP
2. Aventus
by Creed
Smells like: Bergamot, apples, birch, jasmine, musk, and vanilla.
Aventus is actually the best selling colognes for the Creed brand in its unique history. A bit on the pricey side, it’s still totally worth it because, well, you’re worth it. It lasts long throughout the day without overpowering and you don’t really need many sprays so it’ll last a bit longer than some of your other favorite colognes. Plus: Find out where to buy the best Creed cologne brands for cheap!
Savings: Get free shipping with Nordstrom. At JomaShop you can get $20 off with email signup and a $10 off student discount. We always have this one bookmarked, especially during Nordstrom’s Big Sale each summer!
PERFECT TO GIFT
3. Scentbird Cologne Monthly Subscription Box
by Scentbird
If you’re not ready to commit to an entire bottle of new cologne (guilty as charged) you can now sample the latest scents each and every month. Choose from more than 150 major cologne brands like Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Tom Ford, Acqua di Parma, Coach and so many more.
Each month you’ll receive your new fragrances (the first month they’ll even give you a reusable travel-friendly refillable case) for you to test out. They provide enough cologne so that it’ll last you the entire month (averaging around 3 sprays of the cologne per day). They also have some nice perfume options for the gals too!
TOTALLY MASCULINE
4. Vanille Tobacco For Men
by Tom Ford
Smells like: Tobacco leaf, ginger, tonka bean, cocoa, and vanilla.
Another favorite from Tom Ford! It’s smooth, comforting, and something that feels like you’re wrapped in warmth and serenity. This one is my go-to for a cooler day and always works brilliantly at night.
Savings: Both Nordstrom and Sephora are currently offering free shipping, while Sephora also offers a promo code of 10% off with email signup.
DATE NIGHT OPTION
5. Jazz Club
by Maison Margiela
Smells like: Pink pepper, rum absolute, tobacco leaf, and vanilla.
I actually can’t love this cologne any more than I do. It’s somewhat strong, but in a good way, so you really only need one or two sprays (max) and you’ll be smelling fresh-to-death all day long. Like with all Replica scents, you can layer this cologne with some of their other options to really make your own signature fragrance. You can’t go wrong.
One recent buyer said,
This fragrance is a game changer. My fiancé and I purchased it on a whim and are so happy that we did. The notes are subtle, and fades deliciously!”
THE CLASSIC COLOGNE
6. Spicebomb
by Viktor & Rolf
Smells like: Bergamot, cinnamon, leather, grapefruit, and pink pepper.
A top selling cologne for 4 years in a row, everyone seems to be obsessed with Spicebomb and not just because of how cool the bottle is (it is though, isn’t it?). It’s addictive, spicy, and zesty all at the same time. This is the type of cologne that’s totally comforting and distinctive enough to turn some heads, grabs some compliments, and just overall makes you feel good.
Savings: Sign up for texts or emails at Bloomingdale’s and get an extra 15% off. Nordstrom’s promo offer includes free shipping.
PERFECT TO LAYER
7. Oud & Bergamot for Men
by Jo Malone London
Smells like: Bergamot, cedarwood, and oud.
While the notes are simple, this fragrance is actually quite intoxicating and perfect for those cooler nights. It’s totally crisp, comforting, and alluring. And, well, it’s one of my favorites from Jo Malone in a while. It also falls under the unisex category, so this one also makes a great gift idea for any of the ladies on your list.
TOTAL VACATION
8. Bleu de Chanel
by Chanel
Smells like: Wood, crisp citrus, fresh and clean.
This is one of the latest best-selling men’s colognes this year. It’s a perfect fragrance option when you’re transitioning seasons, but could still be worn all year round. I love how they brilliantly blend woodsy and citrus notes to totally complete this must-try fragrance.
Savings: Ulta is offering an extra 20% off when you sign up for their rewards card. Macy’s is giving an extra 15% off with email signup (or text).
THE SPRING FAVORITE
9. Sailing Day
by Maison Margiela
Smells like: Iris, aquatic accord, and coriander.
This one is totally fresh, clean, calm, and smooth. I am obsessed with it this season and it truly is perfect for the spring, and my go-to cologne for summer, and even early fall. It’s light, distinctive, and puts us in the best mood ever. You will not be disappointed!
TOTALLY UNIQUE
10. Eleventh Hour
by Byredo
Smells like: Bergamot, wild fig, tonka beans, and cashmere woods.
This one is soft and comforting, yet will turn heads at the same time without being overpowering. This is a newer option that’s been getting more and more buzz lately since it’s so widely loved by both men and women.