If you’re looking for a safe choice when shopping for colognes, well-known options are your best bet. This is because they have been tried and trusted by many, and their seal of approval lies in the many thumbs they show off. Therefore, it is advisable to choose something fun and familiar to add to your fragrance collection, rather than risk buying a scent that you may not like. Here we’ve put together some of the best-selling perfumes for men, each known for its signature scent and enduring popularity.
The following scents made it onto the bestseller list because they are truly excellent. Whether you’re new to perfume or looking for something new to expand your collection, these top sellers are worth considering. Don’t dismiss a fragrance just because it’s popular; instead, see if one of these bestsellers is right for you. We’ve broken down the notes of each scent to make choosing easy.
Here are the best-selling perfumes for men and their fragrance notes…
#1. Versace Dylan Blue
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Dylan Blue stands out thanks to its base note of citrus with a tendency towards a darker, deeper side. At first you smell fresh Calabrian bergamot, grapefruit and aquatic notes, giving it a “blue” atmosphere. Over time it develops richer scents of amber, incense, musk and patchouli on your skin. It’s a grown-up version of a fresh scent that’s masculine and versatile enough for almost any event.
Comments: Calabrian bergamot, water notes, grapefruit, fig leaves, ambroxan, black pepper, patchouli, violet leaf, papyrus, incense, musk, tonka bean, saffron
#2. Valentino Uomo Born in Roma Eau de Toilette
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This fragrance quickly became a bestseller, despite the fact that it is new to the market. It combines classic scents such as wood and vetiver with a bit of spice, and adds an attractive twist with a hint of minerals, such as salt. It’s a new take on traditional men’s fragrance that feels vibrant and fresh for any age.
Comments: Mineral notes, violet leaf, salt, ginger, sage, woody notes, vetiver
#3. Hermès Terre d’Hermes Eau de Toilette
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This scent is not as traditional as others on this list, but exudes a classic vibe that many love. Its popularity is due to its fresh, spicy and woody scent, with a hint of minerals, resulting in an aura that you might associate with your grandfather, but that you would love to wear. While it’s great for spring, you can enjoy it all year round.
Comments: Orange, grapefruit, pepper, pelargonium, flint, vetiver, cedar, patchouli, benzoin
#4. Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
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This vibrant fragrance from the 90s remains popular for its special blend of herbs and spices, plus sweet yuzu and classic citrus notes, creating a subtle and elegant scent. The delicate touch, typical of the famous Japanese designer, makes it a timeless option with a long fan base.
Comments: Yuzu, lemon, bergamot, mandarin, cypress, blue lotus, nutmeg, lily of the valley, saffron, Ceylon cinnamon, Tahitian vetiver, musk, cedarwood, sandalwood, amber, tobacco
#5. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
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The smell of fragrances isn’t just what makes them special; they can also evoke memories and emotions. Light blue perfectly captures the essence of summer and the emotions that come with it. The fresh citrus scent starts brightly and the woody notes of juniper and rosemary are reminiscent of nature. The soft, sexy scent of rosewood completes the picture: one of the sunny days outside, possibly near the dancing waves of the ocean. Wear it all year round and wrap yourself in a light, sunny embrace.
Comments: Grapefruit, bergamot, Sicilian mandarin, juniper berry, pepper, rosemary, Brazilian rosewood, musk, incense, oak moss
#6. Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette Spray
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Bleu’s appeal lies in its versatility: it can take you from work to family gatherings and the club without looking out of place, making it one of the best-selling men’s perfumes on the market. It starts fresh, with spicy heart notes, and ends with a woody, musky scent. Thanks to its recognizable scent and staying power, we doubt there’s a man who wouldn’t be impressed by it.
Comments: Grapefruit, lemon, mint, pink pepper, ginger, nutmeg, jasmine, Iso E Super, incense, vetiver, cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli, labdanum, white musk
#7. Montblanc Explorer Eau de Parfum
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It’s easy to see why this popular scent is loved by so many. It’s one of the most flexible scents on our list, balancing boldness and a subtle touch. Like other famous fragrances, it starts with a vibrant splash of citrus and spice, then moves into a soft blend of vetiver, leather, wood and patchouli. Wherever you wear it, it will certainly turn heads.
Comments: Bergamot, pink pepper, clary sage, Haitian vetiver, leather, ambroxan, akigala wood, Indonesian patchouli leaf, cocoa pod
#8. Versace Eros Eau de Toilette
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Everyone loves a party scent, the type you wear when you go out to boost your energy. Eros is the perfect example of this. It starts off bright and fresh and then moves into warm vanilla scents that are sexy instead of just sweet. It’s fresh and young, and a great addition to your nighttime ensemble.
Comments: Mint, green apple, lemon, tonka bean, ambroxan, geranium, Madagascar vanilla, Atlas cedar, Virginia cedar, vetiver, oak moss
#9. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
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Is there a list of best-selling men’s perfumes that doesn’t include Acqua di Gio? We don’t think so. Throw a rock into a crowd of men and you’ll likely hit someone who is currently carrying the rock or has done so in the past. This scent first dominated the popularity chart when it was first released in 1996 and is still a favorite today. Perhaps one reason for its success is that it defines what we consider an aquatic fragrance today. It combines fresh citrus and floral scents with sea-like minerals and soft woods to create a scent that reminds you of the seaside like few others can. It’s adaptable, easy to wear, and stands out in all the best ways.
Comments: Lime, lemon, bergamot, neroli, mandarin, sea notes, jasmine, hyacinth, violet, white musk, cedarwood, oakmoss, patchouli, amber
#10. Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette Spray
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Before 1995, fragrances were typically aimed at men or women, not both. CK One has changed this by promoting itself as the first unisex fragrance, although some may wonder if that is entirely accurate. This was quite important, but Calvin Klein’s real achievement was capturing the simple style of the time with a fresh, citrusy and slightly floral scent that felt clean yet attractive. It’s great for warm weather and daytime use, and it remains one of the best-selling fragrances in the world.
Comments: Lemon, green notes, bergamot, pineapple, cardamom, jasmine, violet, nutmeg, orris root, freesia, musk, cedar, sandalwood, oak moss, amber
#11. Yves Saint Laurent and Eau de Toilette
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Many best-selling men’s perfumes come from the fresh fragrance family, which isn’t surprising. Fresh ingredients such as citrus, fruit and herbs are popular thanks to their lively and energetic attitude. This particular scent is enhanced with aldehydes in the top note, adding a clean, barbershop-like note that is both subtle and masculine. With a base of musk and incense for extra richness, it really packs a punch.
Comments: Aldehydes, ginger, bergamot, mint, lemon, apple, violet leaf, pineapple, sage, geranium, ambergris, musk, cedar wood, balsam fir, vetiver, incense
#12. Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette
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Sauvage is probably one of the most popular men’s perfumes ever, dominating the market since its release in 2015. It is easy to recognize, starting with a fresh scent and ending with a deep, amber wood note, mixed with lots of pepper and spices. It inspired many similar fragrances and reshaped modern men’s perfumes by combining traditional scents in a fresh way. When in doubt, Sauvage is a safe and excellent choice.
Comments: Calabrian bergamot, black pepper, Sichuan pepper, lavender, pink pepper, vetiver, patchouli, geranium, elemi, ambroxan, cedar, labdanum
#13. Davidoff Cool Water for Men Eau de Toilette
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There are many water perfumes mentioned here, but Cool Water is perhaps the original that started it all. Since its debut in 1988, it has maintained its appeal and remains a top seller over thirty years later. This classic cologne starts with a refreshing scent and settles into a masculine blend of musk, tobacco and cedarwood. It’s great for daytime, but really it can be worn anytime, anywhere.
Comments: Seawater, lavender, mint, green notes, rosemary, calone, coriander, sandalwood, neroli, geranium, jasmine, musk, oakmoss, tobacco, cedar, ambergris
#14. Hugo Boss Hugo Man Eau de Toilette
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Like Hugo Boss suits, this classic scent is great for work. The strong, confident scent comes from the woody and balsam fir notes that last for hours without being too overpowering or lingering too long after you leave. The hints of sweet apple and fresh floral lavender make it versatile and give it a softer, more approachable feel while retaining its strength.
Comments: Green apple, lavender, pine, woody notes, balsam fir
#15. Believe Aventus
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Creed is a favorite brand among perfume lovers, and Aventus is a perfect introduction to their fragrances. Known as one of the most iconic and popular men’s perfumes, Aventus has a slightly sweet scent with hints of apple, blackcurrant and pineapple, but it also has woody, musky and rich aromas. It combines traditional and modern styles, making it suitable for almost any event. Oh, and it also leaves a lasting impression.
Comments: Bergamot, blackcurrant, apple, lemon, pineapple, patchouli, Moroccan jasmine, birch, musk, oak moss, ambroxan, cedar wood
Featured image: @davidoffparfums/Instagram
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