Find the perfect scent for any occasion with IBBB’s top colognes of the season.
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.
Dior Sauvage has long been a favorite of men everywhere. Its intoxicating blend of woods, spices, and citrus makes it perfect for any occasion. But is it really worth the price tag? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
– The scent is truly unique and intoxicating.
– It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re going on a date or to a formal event.
– The bottle is absolutely stunning and looks great on your dressing table.
Cons:
– It’s quite expensive, so it might not be within everyone’s budget.
– Some people find the scent a bit too strong.
Bottom Line:
All in all, Dior Sauvage is a fantastic choice for any man who wants to make a lasting impression. Yes, it’s on the pricey side, but you definitely get what you pay for. If you can afford it, we say go for it! You won’t regret it.
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!
Pros:
Let’s start with the positive aspects of Creed Aventus. First, it is undeniably masculine. This fragrance has a strong, woody scent that is sure to turn heads. It is also long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about re-applying it throughout the day. Additionally, many women find the smell incredibly attractive, so if that’s what you’re after…go for it!
Cons:
On the downside, Creed Aventus can be quite strong. Some men find it overwhelming, and it can be difficult to wear in large doses. Additionally, the price tag on Creed Aventus cologne can be a bit off-putting for many (or most) so it really is quite the investment.
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.
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille is a rich, woody fragrance that evokes memories of warm, sunny days spent lounging in the shade of a big tree. The top notes of tobacco leaf and spice give way to a heart of creamy vanilla before drying down to a smoky, woody base. The result is a truly addictive scent that is sure to please any lover of sweet, woody fragrances.
It’s really one of those rare fragrances that manage to be both timeless and modern at the same time. The tobacco leaf and spice in the top notes give it a vintage feel, while the creamy vanilla in the heart keeps it feeling fresh and contemporary. The smoky, woody base gives the fragrance a bit of an edge, making it perfect for anyone who wants to smell different from the crowd.
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.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for the special man in your life or shopping for a new scent for yourself, you may be wondering if Spicebomb is the right choice. Its known for being strong and masculine, with a blend of woody, spicy, and sweet notes that many men find irresistible.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you buy it. For one, it is a pretty strong fragrance, so it’s not necessarily ideal for everyone. If you’re looking for something that’s more subtle, you may want to consider another cologne. Additionally, because it is such a strong fragrance, it’s important to use it sparingly. A little goes a long way with this cologne, so you don’t want to overdo it.
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.
If you’re a fan of woody, earthy scents, then Oud & Bergamot cologne is definitely worth checking out. This fragrance features top notes of bergamot and lemon, middle notes of oud and cypress, and base notes of vetiver and amber. Together, these create a scent that is both masculine and elegant.
One of the things that I really like about Oud & Bergamot is that it is a very versatile scent. It can be worn during the day or at night, and it also works well for both casual and formal occasions. I also find that it has pretty good longevity, lasting around 6-8 hours.
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. Bleu de Chanel is a woody, aromatic cologne that was released by Chanel in 2010 and it features top notes of lemon and bergamot, middle notes of vetiver and pink pepper, and base notes of cedar and amber.
Bleu de Chanel has become one of the most popular colognes on the market, thanks to its unique blend of fresh and woody scents. Men who wear it often say that it has excellent longevity and projects well, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
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 SUMMER 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.
Byredo’s Eleventh Hour cologne is a unisex fragrance that was released in 2018. The scent is inspired by the “last-minute panic” that can happen before an important event. The top notes of the fragrance are bergamot, cedarwood, and elemi; the middle notes are violet leaf, vetiver, and cypress; and the base notes are amber, musk, and moss.
The fragrance opens with a citrusy bergamot note, which is quickly joined by a woodsy cedarwood note. The woodiness of the cedarwood is tempered by the freshness of the elemi. The violet leaf in the middle notes gives the fragrance a green, herbal quality, while the vetiver and cypress provide some earthy depth. The amber, musk, and moss in the base notes give the fragrance a warm, creamy finish.
Overall, Eleventh Hour is a well-balanced scent that is suitable for both casual and formal occasions. The fragrance has decent longevity and is well balanced, making it a good choice for those who want to avoid being overly fragrant.
PATRICK VARONE – Editor in Chief / Product Editor
Patrick has been covering all the hottest must-have products for more than 10 years at IBBB. His main focus is toys, tech, gifting, and men’s fashion & style. He’s previously written for publishers like Harper’s BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan, and Esquire.