Find Your Signature Scent: The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Perfume
Isobel is a skincare obsessed Piscean hailing from Byron Bay. She studied law and journalism in Brisbane before moving to Sydney where she’s now living by the beach in Bondi. She’s worked as a Beauty Writer for BEAUTYcrew, a Digital Content Editor for Marie Claire and InStyle, and her words have appeared in Vogue, Gritty Pretty, ELLE, Women’s Health - and of course here - at Adore Beauty.
Are you looking for tips on the best perfumes for men so you can pick a new signature scent?
We know the differences between cologne, aftershave, and perfume may seem confusing.
But with the right direction, you’ll find shopping for men’s fragrances not only easy but enjoyable!
To start, think about your favourite scents.
- If you like fresh smells, look for notes of citrus or maybe sea breeze.
- Turned on by spices? Try warm amber notes such as vanilla or cinnamon.
- Some of our favourite floral scents for men are lavender and geranium.
- Sandalwood and pine are woody winners.
As for fragrance houses, some of the best perfume brands for men to have on your radar are Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, and Creed.
That said, we’ve got heaps more excellent brands in our men’s fragrance category.
Have a listen to the podcast ep below to find out more about the different fragrance families, how to properly apply perfume, and how to shop perfume online...
Know Your Type: The Differences Between Cologne, Aftershave, and Perfume
First things first, let’s demystify the differences between fragrance formulas.
Cologne and eau de toilette are both types of perfumes.
However, cologne contains a lower concentration of perfume oils than EDT does.
Aftershave, on the other hand, may be scented but isn’t considered a perfume.
An aftershave is a skincare formula dosed with astringent ingredients such as witch hazel to disinfect the skin following shaving.
The main purpose of aftershave is to help prevent irritation and ingrown hairs, not to give you a long-lasting scent.
Curious? Check out our suggestions on the best aftershaves for men.
Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s get into the best smelling perfumes for men.
Below, you’ll find the best long-lasting fragrance for men, the best perfume for men under $100, the best everyday perfume for men, and loads more.
Here’s Our Top Men’s Fragrances for 2024
1. L'Occitane Cap Cedrat Eau de Toilette
What it is: A wallet-friendly option that smells high-end divine.
Getting your hands on a brilliant fragrance doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank.
L'Occitane Cap Cédrat Eau de Toilette is a handsome little number that just so happens to be one of the best affordable men's fragrances here at Adore Beauty.
How it smells: Designed to emulate the sense of escape, Cap Cédrat features the aromas you’d expect to encounter on a coastal getaway.
Think bright, breezy top notes of citrus and sea spray, which give way to spicy heart notes and a woody base.
L’Occitane Cap Cedrat is one of the best fragrances for men any time of the year, but we especially recommend it for the warmer months.
Shop L'Occitane Cap Cedrat Eau de Toilette here:
2. Creed Aventus EDP
What it is: A distinctive fragrance for those who love an unusual signature scent.
Inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte, Creed Aventus EDP is a powerful scent guaranteed to turn heads.
How it smells: This inimitable fragrance sets ozonic top notes of bright fruits upon heart notes of rose and Moroccan jasmine.
The send-off: woody base notes of oak and vanilla. These eclectic notes sound as if they might clash, but somehow, they work beautifully together to create a memorable perfume.
Creed Aventus is perfect for those who want to stand out.
Unsurprisingly, Aventus is one of our best-rated men’s perfumes.
And if you ask us, it’s easily one of the best perfumes for men in 2024.
Shop Creed Aventus EDP here:
3. Goldfield & Banks Desert Rosewood Perfume Concentrate
What it is: A long-lasting woody–floral fragrance that withstands the working day.
If you’re looking for an all-day aroma, Goldfield & Banks Desert Rosewood Perfume Concentrate is one of the best long-lasting perfumes for men.
Plus, it’s not just for the gents! This striking unisex perfume is for all genders to enjoy.
How it smells: Taking inspiration from the wild natural landscapes of Victoria, Desert Rosewood melds spirited top notes of Sicilian mandarin, bergamot, and Indian cardamon with dreamy heart notes of Laos benzoin and Indonesian patchouli.
All this is layered over warm, woody base notes of Australian desert rosewood and Comoros Islands vanilla.
Shop Goldfield & Banks Desert Rosewood Perfume Concentrate here:
4. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Pour Homme Eau De Toilette
What it is: The iconic men’s fragrance, just-right crisp and perfect for daily wear.
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Pour Homme Eau De Toilette is a crowd-pleasing scent that’s one of the best men's everyday fragrances on offer.
Dreamt up to honour the natural beauty of the Italian island of Pantelleria, this masterpiece includes fresh scents that mix to emulate a Mediterranean Sea breeze.
How it smells: The top notes are a fruity–floral combination of bergamot, tangerine, and neroli.
The heart is made up of refreshing marine, jasmine, and rosemary.
The fragrance is anchored by a woody, earthy base of cedar and patchouli.
Shop Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Pour Homme Eau De Toilette here:
5. who is elijah HAZE EDP
What it is: A spicy, smoky, unisex delight that pays homage to the ‘70s.
Spritz on this bold, gender-neutral fragrance and feel transported to the hazy disco floors of the ‘70s.
Who is elijah HAZE is a daring scent but not so potent that it overpowers.
It’s one of the best perfumes for men for an evening out and will be adored by those who enjoy a deep, smoky scent.
Who is elijah fragrances are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and made in Australia.
How it smells: The sweet-yet-spicy concoction opens with a burst of vivacious clove and pink pepper.
The body of the fragrances features unexpectedly complex notes of chestnut and guaiac wood.
It all finishes with base notes of rich Peru balsam and woody Cashmeran.
And if my opinion isn't enough to convince you, here's what Adore Beauty customers say about HAZE:
"If you love Maison Margielas By the Fireplace you will love this! I’ve tried three of Who is Elijah’s scents and they are all amazing dupes for some very expensive fragrances! Love this one." - Elle H
"When you think after a few hours the smell has disappeared and faded away, hug somebody and wait 2 seconds for the oh my god you smell amazing comment. Haze is a beautiful combination of masculine tobacco and feminine vanilla, combining perfectly in a mellow, smoky scent that oozes mystery and sensuality." - K
Shop who is elijah HAZE EDP here:
6. Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Cologne Bleue
What it is: A refreshing scent inspired by the ocean.
Hunting for the best smelling cologne for men? Cologne Bleue is a strong contender for the title.
YSL Cologne Bleue is a light, airy option that’s perfectly suited for daily warm-weather wear.
Its zingy nature also makes it one of the best colognes for men. It’s a great way to refresh and awaken your senses in the morning.
How it smells: Bright bergamot, crisp citrus, and fresh marine accord make up the opening notes of this bewitching blend, which was inspired by the shoreline.
Apple, geranium, thyme, and lavender take centre stage in the heart notes.
Meanwhile, the base comprises woody notes of cedarwood and sandalwood.
Shop Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Cologne Bleue here:
We hope this guide proves helpful in your quest for your new signature scent. Ready to shop? Here’s our men’s cologne category.
If you’re hungry for more info, we’ve got plenty more articles about the best fragrances for men.
To get started, check out the best cologne for men who want to make a statement and the best perfumes for men we can’t stop talking about.
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
