Gearing up for that gambling trip to Monte Carlo or Las Vegas? Perhaps business calls for some time in the Big Apple or London? Or maybe just a night out is in order for some surf and turf, a couple craft beers, and some interesting conversation with friends? Feeling your best and making a good impression is always important, and a nice scent can go a long way in ensuring that happens. It also goes a long way in the sense that it will leave you odorously awesome all day long. Whether you’re looking for subtle tones, brisk aromatic vibes, or plenty of masculinity, these colognes and fragrances will have you feeling amazing and have others taking notice.
1Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford ($65 to $230)
This is a warm, masculine fragrance with staying power to keep you smelling fresh the whole day. It’s a wonderful smell perfect for men, with notes of violet leaf, black leather, and cedarwood. Ford himself says the scent connects him to the American West — a perfect testament to this subtle blend with a bit of machismo. Feel like you’ve stepped onto the Yellowstone ranch with this one.
2Atlantis by Blu Atlas ($50 to $100)
Channel your inner Poseidon, Captain Nemo, or maybe even Aquaman with this seafaring fragrance. This mild scent offers a spirit of adventure. Marked by bergamot (a citrus fruit native to Italy), lemon, and blackcurrant along with hints of peach and apricot, this is a moderate yet pleasing scent. Whether you’re out on the yacht or simply relaxing, Atlantis will always have wearers ready for that next excursion.
3REPLICA At The Barber’s by Maison Martin Margiela ($144)
There’s not much better than a trip to the barber for many men, and this fragrance will have you smelling fresh and wonderful the entire day. There may not be barber stripes in your bathroom, but Replica offers an ambiance as if you’ve just had a fresh cut and shave. The cologne offers a nice mixture of basil, bitter orange, and black pepper initially, with elements of lavender, rosemary, white musk, leather, and more thrown in. A fresh scent can go a long way.
4Acqua di Parma Colonia by Essenza ($75 to $222)
This classic brings a sunny sense of vibrancy. Hints of lemon, bergamot, and orange bring this sparkling fragrance to life. Added rosemary along with woody notes of vetiver, sandalwood, and patchouli add to the experience. Originally developed in 1916, Acqua di Parma has pleased generations of men. But some things defy time — and that’s certainly the case with this cologne.
5Bibliothèque by Byredo ($200)
This fragrance is geared toward book lovers, apparently (bibliothèquemeans “library” in French, after all), and the manly smell may haveyou ready to battle buccaneers from Treasure Island, solve a caselike Sherlock Holmes, or perhaps dream up or live out your ownswashbuckling tale. Expect a fruity vibrancy of peach and plumwith extras like peony and violet balancing out patchouli, leather,and vanilla. A single spray should suffice for a scent harkening toleather-bound pages where plenty of fun and adventure await.
