This list from Bazaar’s beauty team offers a fantastic selection of men’s fragrances, leaning into modern trends, unisex appeal, and niche offerings alongside some more established names. It’s concise yet descriptive, effectively conveying the “vibe” of each scent.
Here’s a breakdown of the strengths and individual highlights:
The Best Scents for Men, According to the Bazaar Beauty Team
The introduction sets the stage perfectly, emphasizing that a great fragrance can “punctuate any outfit” and highlighting the “ever-expanding” roster of new perfumes while still focusing on “decadent colognes that stand above the rest.” The focus on “coveted fragrances for men right now” signals a current and relevant selection.
Categories and Highlights:
The categorization by “The future classic,” “The modern blockbuster,” “The contemporary oud,” etc., is engaging and helps segment the recommendations effectively.
- Issey Miyake Le Sel D’Issey Eau de Toilette (The future classic)
- Description: A compelling abstract take on salt, avoiding typical aquatics. “Lightning-bolt of natural ginger with mineral freshness and the softest woods.”
- Notes (from search): Sea Salt, Ginger, Seaweed, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Oakmoss.
- This sounds truly unique and like a sophisticated fresh scent.
- Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF Le Parfum (The modern blockbuster)
- Description: A “parfum” concentration for potency and longevity, with “woody base” for traditionalists and “orange blossom and vanilla” for a “modern edge.”
- Notes (from search): Black Pepper, Orange Blossom, Bourbon Vanilla, Amber.
- This aligns with current trends for more expressive, yet still broadly appealing, masculine fragrances.
- Aesop Virēre Eau de Parfum
- Description: “Bergamot-heavy green scent,” an “ode to fresh Mediterranean mornings,” with “green tea and fig.” Positioned as a “gateway to Aesop’s alternative olfactory universe.”
- Notes (from search): Bergamot, Green Mandarin, Galbanum, Petitgrain, Cardamom, Green Tea, Mastic, Cypress, Pink Pepper, Cedar, Green Maté, Hay.
- Aesop’s fragrances are known for their natural, evocative qualities, and this sounds like a serene green scent.
- Tom Ford Oud Minérale Eau de Parfum (The contemporary oud)
- Description: “Truly unique marine scent,” “bursting with woodiness and saltiness,” and a “sophisticated and truly masculine beach scent.” Mentions oud, ambergris, silver fir balsam, maritime accents, and enveloping musk.
- Notes (from search): Pink Peppercorn, Oud Blend, Styrax, Ambergris Accord, Fir Balsam, Marine Notes.
- Tom Ford’s take on oud is often bold, and this marine twist sounds intriguing for those who want a less traditional oud.
- Horace &Horace Eau de Parfum (The Parisian favourite)
- Description: For those who prefer their fragrance to “whisper, rather than shout.” “Smooth, woody base notes” with “bergamot and pepper for that initial zing.” “Safe blind buy, and a flawless gifting move.”
- Notes (from search): Rum, White Pepper, Bergamot, Iris, Cedarwood, Davana, Tobacco, Sandalwood.
- This sounds like a versatile, understated, and elegant daily wear.
- Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Parfum (The unisex success)
- Description: “Shining Mediterranean star” with “sweet Greek figs, coconut and cedar,” encapsulating a “summer holiday stroll.”
- Notes (from search): Fig Leaf, Fig, Green Notes, Coconut, Fig Tree, Woody Notes.
- Diptyque is indeed a popular unisex brand, and Philosykos is a renowned, realistic fig scent.
- Kilian Paris Old Fashioned Eau de Parfum (The late-night statement)
- Description: An “olfactory ode to the Old Fashioned,” “sweet, intoxicating and every bit as punchy,” “amber-rich, generously spiced concoction.”
- Notes (from search): Wheat, Davana, Immortelle, Cedar, Tolu Balsam, Styrax.
- Kilian’s boozy fragrances are popular, and this sounds like a warm, sophisticated choice for evenings.
- Granado Carioca Eau de Toilette (The can’t-go-wrong cologne)
- Description: “Signature scent of Rio de Janeiro,” “fresh, light and as crisp as a morning spent in the Copacabana surf.” “Failsafe scent you’ll find yourself reaching for every day.”
- Notes (from search): Bergamot, Lime, Freesia, Lily of the Valley, Jasmine, Violet Flower, Musk, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean.
- Its widespread appeal in Brazil and “can’t-go-wrong” description suggest a highly versatile and pleasant everyday option.
- Loewe Earth (The intriguing earthy blend)
- Description: “Ode to what lies beneath our soils,” with a “soft and fuzzy side” from “violet and musk.” “Twist of truffle doubles down on the muddy inspiration,” creating a “powdery, almost animalic scent.”
- Notes (from search): Violet, Mimosa, Grey Amber, Musk, Truffle, Pear, Elemi.
- This sounds like a truly unique and artistic fragrance, appealing to those who seek something unconventional.
- Bon Parfumeur 901 Nutmeg Almond Patchouli (The softer leather)
- Description: “Masterclass in unisex fragrance,” with “sharp (but not bitter) citrus accord,” “spicy base fuelled by chilli, black pepper and nutmeg,” settling to “warm and inviting trail.”
- Notes (from search): Grapefruit, Ginger, Almond, Black Pepper, Blond Wood, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Musk, Tonka Bean.
- The description suggests a dynamic and evolving scent, well-suited for a unisex label. Note: the article labels it “softer leather” but the notes from search don’t explicitly mention leather. It’s likely an accord created by the combination of notes or a general impression.
- Givenchy Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum (The spiced gourmand)
- Description: “Warming, slightly boozy and just a little sweet,” with a “rich burst of cardamom” and “muted florals over vanilla-spiced woods.”
- Notes (from search): Cardamom, Sage, French Narcissus, Haitian Vetiver, Madagascar Vetiver, Vanilla, Palo Santo, Cedar.
- This sounds like a modern, sophisticated evening fragrance with a touch of sweetness.
- Acqua di Parma Colonia C.L.U.B. Eau de Cologne (The new classic)
- Description: Building on the enduring legacy of Colonia, C.L.U.B. offers “sparkling shiso and botanical rosemary,” a “mood-boosting choice for everyday.”
- Notes (from search): Sicilian Lemon, Petit Grain, Bergamot, Sicilian Mandarin, Mint, Neroli, Lavender, Geranium, Galbanol, Haitian Vetiver, White Musk, Ambergris Accord.
- A refreshing and elegant update to a truly iconic cologne.
- Byredo Mixed Emotions Eau de Parfum (The niche winner)
- Description: “Unique summery scents,” “flawless example of unisex fragrance,” combining “black tea with a twang of citrus,” opening to a “papyrus and birch wood base.” “Memorable, curious, and ideal for heatwaves.”
- Notes (from search): Blackcurrant, Maté, Violet Leaves, Ceylon Black Tea, Birch Woods, Papyrus.
- Byredo is known for its artistic and often unusual compositions, and this sounds like a great representation of their style.
- Coach Green Eau de Toilette (The entry-level scent)
- Description: “Fresh, youthful take on traditional cedar,” with “prominent note of rosemary” and “twist of kiwi.” “Wearable both day and night, and ideal for gifting.”
- Notes (from search): Kiwi, Bergamot, Rosemary, Geranium, Crystal Moss, Cedarwood.
- This sounds like a great accessible and versatile option for someone new to fragrances.
- Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Toilette (The citrussy cologne)
- Description: “Sophisticated everyday option,” “fresh crowd-pleaser,” with “aldehydes” amplifying “energising, aquatic trail.”
- Notes (from search, for Y EDT specifically – it’s a broad line): Bergamot, Ginger, Apple, Aldehydes, Juniper Berries, Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Tonka Bean, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Olibanum, Amberwood. (The article description focuses on citrus and aldehydes, which are prominent in the EDT).
- A very popular and modern fresh fragrance for broad appeal.
- Frédéric Malle Uncut Gem Eau de Parfum (The bold statement)
- Description: “Weighty olfactory proposition,” combining “tingling bergamot with a rich, lasting base of frankincense and amber.” “Big, bold, and perfect for the colder months.”
- Notes (from search): Bergamot, Ginger, Angelique root, Frankincense, Amber.
- Frédéric Malle’s fragrances are known for their quality and complexity, and this sounds like a powerful autumnal/winter choice.
- Chanel Paris-Édimbourg Les Eaux De (The powerful fresh scent)
- Description: “Unisex billing, yet leans towards the traditionally ‘masculine’ end,” a “love letter to the wide open spaces of the Scottish Highlands.” “Dominant juniper and cypress breezing over a woody base.” “Bracing and fresh, it’s a refined choice for anyone dreaming of the great outdoors.”
- Notes (from search): Lemon, Bergamot, Juniper Berry, Cypress, Cedar Accord, Vetiver.
- Part of Chanel’s lighter, travel-inspired collection, this sounds like an elevated aromatic freshie.
- Jo Malone Cologne Collection (The starter set)
- Description: A practical recommendation for exploring the brand’s bestsellers before committing to a full bottle.
- Jo Malone is well-known for its layering capabilities and distinct, often natural-smelling colognes.
- Hermès Eau de Basilic Pourpre Natural Spray (The herbal hit)
- Description: “Instant classic,” playing up the “botanical, almost aniseed-like properties of purple basil.” “Bright, mind-clearing, and just peppery enough.”
- Notes (from search): Bergamot, Basil, Geranium, Patchouli, Spices.
- Sounds like a sophisticated and invigorating herbal fragrance.
- Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 (The curious cologne)
- Description: Highlights the cult status due to Iso E Super, explaining how it “reacts differently to each individual’s skin chemistry,” making it smell different on everyone. Also notes the wearer may not smell it, but others will.
- Notes (from search): Iso E Super (the sole aroma molecule).
- This is a fascinating inclusion, representing a very modern and minimalist approach to fragrance.
- Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 (The light, subtle spritz)
- Description: “Gentle, sweeter take on green tea, balanced against notes of fig, cedar and bitter orange.” Mentions layering with other Le Labo classics.
- Notes (from search): Matcha, Vetiver, Bergamot, Cedar, Sandalwood, Bitter Orange, Fig, Sesame.
- Le Labo is renowned for its unique and often nuanced scents, and this sounds like a comforting and elegant option.
Overall, this article is a strong contender for a comprehensive guide to modern men’s fragrances, providing both inspiration and practical details for the reader.