The 23 Best Colognes for Men, According to <em>Bazaar</em> Editors

Reported by Harper's Bazaar.

There's a quiet power move happening at the fragrance counter, and it has nothing to do with gender. The line between "men's cologne" and "women's perfume" has never been thinner — and honestly, the best bottles don't care who picks them up. Whether you're shopping for a partner, a brother, or yourself, according to Harper's Bazaar, the strongest fragrance choices right now span a remarkable range: citrus-forward, deeply woody, floral, smoky, and everything in between.

The classics hold their ground for a reason. Dior's Sauvage Eau de Toilette opens with Reggio bergamot and ambroxan before drying down into a woody signature that's genuinely hard to argue with. Bleu de Chanel does something similar — fresh citrus over sandalwood and cedar — without ever tipping into loud. Polo Eau de Toilette, originally launched in 1978, still reads as current thanks to lime zest, basil, and a vetiver-leather base that doesn't ask for your attention so much as quietly command it. These are not boring choices. They are earned ones.

The Ones Worth the Conversation

Then there are the bottles that double as a personality statement. Le Labo's Santal 33 — sandalwood, cardamom, leather, and smoke — is notable for being the only fragrance to appear on both the best colognes and best perfumes of all time lists, which tells you everything you need to know about its unisex pull. D.S. & Durga's Cowboy Grass blends rosewood, sage brush, and ambergris into something that smells like a signature you didn't know you had. Maison Francis Kurkdjian's L'Homme À la Rose makes the case for rose accords on anyone — Damascena rose oil anchored by cistus labdanum and sage oil produces something unexpectedly bold rather than sweet. Byredo's Alto Astral goes unisex officially, pairing coconut water and jasmine with incense and salted amber for a scent that transitions across seasons without effort.

For those drawn to deeper, earthier territory: Guerlain's Vetiver Eau de Toilette — vetiver, tonka bean, nutmeg, tobacco — is described by fragrance expert Jelk as "so recognizable, it has an addictive trail" and promises to make the wearer genuinely unforgettable. Tom Ford's Oud Wood leans into rare oud and Chinese pepper for something incense-dark and precise. House of Bō's Infinitoud takes a softer approach to oud — myrrh, peyote, black pepper, and patchouli — making it approachable for oud skeptics while still delivering depth. Parfums de Marly's Haltane pairs leather with lavender and saffron for something that reads as sophisticated rather than heavy.

A good fragrance isn't a finishing touch — it's the first thing someone remembers about you long after you've left the room.

Read the original at Harper's Bazaar.