When it comes to perfume, anything goes for any gender. But that doesn’t mean we’re not passionate about the best perfumes for men. It might be a gift (Valentines Day is coming up) or you prefer a scent that leans more masculine — either way some masculine scents sit a cut about the rest.
To help you find the best, we’ve curated our long-term favourites, from classic luxuries (CHANEL, Dior) to unexpected compliment-getters.
Creed Aventus
This list wouldn’t be about the best male perfumes if it didn’t start with Creed Aventus. Inspired by the life of Emperor Napolean, the new iteration is fresh and energetic (fragrance archivists will tell you the original was just citrus and smoke). Pineapple, spicy ginger, creamy musk — it’s full of life for anyone who takes the way they smell seriously.
Dior Sauvage
Dior was created in 2015 by former perfumer Francois Dermachy and it’s proven to be one of the brand’s biggest hits. Aromatic and sharp, it’s a timeless classic that appeals to almost everyone.
Hermès H24
H24 is clean but very aromatic. It’s made up of notes like sage, moss and sclarene, a molecule that smells damp and metallic, almost like steam from an iron. The end result is warm and sensual, but in a contemporary way.
CHANEL Bleu de Chanel
Bleu de Chanel is refined, enduring. Despite the name, it’s not watery or aquatic, instead it’s woody, rounded, and almost soapy in a sexy way as it dries down.
Comme des Garçon Wonderwood
They’re making magic at Comme de Garçon, and it smells like Wonderwood. Dry and rich, the fragrance is just real and synthetic woods, including cyprus, guaiac, cedar and sandalwood, plus spicy pepper, insence and caraway. There’s nothing else quite like it.
Tom Ford Beau de Jour
Beau de Jour smells like soap and lavender — a classic fougère but with a musky, sensual edge. It’s crisp and unexpected; the perfect accompaniment to sharp tailoring.
Amouage Interlude Black Iris
Interlude Black Iris is an esoteric fragrance. It’s thick and heavy but not cloying, with smoke, incense, iris, lavender and resin. Opulent and more-ish, it’s the perfect perfume for after dark.
Dior Homme Intense
Homme Intense is a masterclass in leather and iris. It’s definitely masculine, but with a subtlety that’s grown up and balanced.
Le Labo Santal 33
Maybe the most iconic scent of the last decade, Le Labo Santal 33 is an addictive mix of creamy wood, spicy cardamom, and earthy leather. It’s urban but refined — a NYC classic suitable for girls and boys alike.
Byredo Black Saffron
Black Saffron is a subtle luxury. Saffron has an almost metallic quality about it, and when tempered with zingy pomelo and leather, it’s vibrant.
Diptyque Tam Dao
If you’re looking for a meditative fragrance, try Tam Dao. Inspired by the East, it’s a soothing scent with grounding sandalwood, cedar wood and myrtle.
Serge Lutens Chergui
For a rich and evocative men’s perfume, try Chergui. It’s oudy and smoky — rich in honeyed spice, tobacco and hay.
Tsu Lange Yor TLY 5755
Smooth like velvet, TLY 5755 combines first-to-market Tasmanian mountain pepper, with shiso and Australian sandalwood. It smells herbaceous, intimate and worn in.
YSL Myslf
Interestingly, Myslf is somewhat a floral, but it’s composed in a way that’s masculine because of surrounding notes like black pepper, woods and vanilla bourbon. It transforms over time, shifting from vibrant and light, to smooth and textural.
Creed Silver Mountain Water
Silver Mountain Water smells like standing at the base of a snow capped mountain in Spring. It’s bright, Earthy, unspoilt and a little sweet — a ‘fresh’ fragrance that’s not at all boring.
