A great men's fragrance is the perfect way to punctuate any outfit, be it an understated casual look or something more formal. Whether you're shopping for a statement scent for a beloved partner, father or friend – or for yourself – it's good to know that the roster of new perfumes for men is ever-expanding. And luckily, there are a few decadent colognes that stand above the rest.
From classic woody scents with impressive longevity to bracing citrus notes – and some newer launches that challenge the traditional gender lines – these are the most coveted fragrances for men right now.
Scroll down and find the one that speaks to you, or your lucky recipient...
The best scents for men, according to the Bazaar beauty team
Last month, Issey Miyake revealed its most major fragrance release since that iconic Noughties original, L'Eau D'Issey. Another homage to the earth, Le Sel is perfumer Quentin Bisch's abstract imagining of salt. Instead of falling back on a basic aquatic blend, he has masterfully combined a lightning-bolt of natural ginger with mineral freshness and the softest woods for an earthy base that lingers for hours on end.
A 'parfum' contains a higher concentration of fragrance oils than a traditional 'eau de toilette', so you're getting a more potent, longer-lasting scent trail with every spritz.
Yves Saint Laurent's latest offering, MYSLF, is a cocktail of contrasts: there's a woody base that will keep traditionalists somewhat in their comfort zone, but a dose of orange blossom and vanilla in the top lends a very modern edge.
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Aesop is known for weaving fantastical stories into its scents, but its latest release is perhaps the most accessible. A bergamot-heavy green scent, Virēre is an ode to fresh Mediterranean mornings, with green tea and fig creating a trail that conjures a breath of fresh air. Consider it your gateway to Aesop's alternative olfactory universe.
A truly unique marine scent, Oud Minérale is bursting with woodiness and saltiness. A sophisticated and truly masculine beach scent, here you'll find oud, ambergris and silver fir balsam, as well as maritime accents and enveloping musk. Need we even mention the gilded packaging?
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The Parisian favourite
Horace &Horace Eau de Parfum
If you're buying for someone who prefers their fragrance to whisper, rather than shout, this signature spritz from Paris' coolest men's grooming brand is bound to fit the bill. The brand has dialled up the smooth, woody base notes to ensure it wears close to the skin, using bergamot and pepper for that initial zing. It's a safe blind buy, and a flawless gifting move.
Diptyque is an all-round unisex fragrance brand and Philosykos is it's shining Mediterranean star. With sweet Greek figs, coconut and cedar, it encapsulates all the scenes of a summer holiday stroll, without ever being cloying or heavy. The ideal green scent for the coming warmer months.
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Kilian has turned its hand to another winter tipple this season, creating an olfactory ode to the Old Fashioned. Sweet, intoxicating and every bit as punchy as you're likely expecting, it's an amber-rich, generously spiced concoction that'll turn heads after dark.
Granado might be an emerging name in the UK, but it's a long-loved mainstay in its native Brazil. The signature scent of Rio de Janeiro, Carioca is fresh, light and as crisp as a morning spent in the Copacabana surf. Thankfully, the bottle is extra large: this is a failsafe scent you'll find yourself reaching for every day.
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It might be an ode to what lies beneath our soils, but Loewe's Earth has a soft and fuzzy side, thanks to cosy notes of violet and musk. A twist of truffle doubles down on the muddy inspiration, creating a powdery, almost animalic scent that feels unusual and entirely addictive.
A masterclass in unisex fragrance, 901 from Bon Parfumeur will have you and your significant other fighting for ownership. A sharp (but not bitter) citrus accord gives way to a spicy base fuelled by chilli, black pepper and nutmeg, before settling down to leave a warm and inviting trail.
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Acqua di Parma's Colonia is likely the most enduring scent in history: through the decades, everyone from Grace Kelly to Gregory Peck has called it their signature.
Now, the iconic original comes in a host of guises, with the latest being C.L.U.B. With sparkling shiso and botanical rosemary, it's a mood-boosting choice for everyday.
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Byredo's line-up is full of unique summery scents, but Mixed Emotions is one we find ourselves often coming back to. A flawless example of unisex fragrance, this lively blend combines black tea with a twang of citrus, before opening up to a papyrus and birch wood base. It's memorable, curious, and ideal for heatwaves.
Coach's major new launch is a fresh, youthful take on traditional cedar. Perfect for summer, Green features a prominent note of rosemary in the heart, with a twist of kiwi lending the aromatic cologne a contemporary zing. It's wearable both day and night, and idea for gifting.
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It might share a name with Netflix's most stressful cinematic watch, but thankfully the similarities between Adam Sandler's star turn and Frédéric Malle's latest scent end there.
Uncut Gem is, however, a weighty olfactory proposition, combining tingling bergamot with a rich, lasting base of frankincense and amber. It's big, bold, and perfect for the colder months.
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A standout from Chanel's acclaimed Les Eaux collection, Paris-Edimbourg has a unisex billing, yet leans towards the traditionally 'masculine' end of the spectrum. It's a love letter to the wide open spaces of the Scottish Highlands, with dominant juniper and cypress breezing over a woody base. Bracing and fresh, it's a refined choice for anyone dreaming of the great outdoors.
Jo Malone London makes so many stellar men's fragrances, it can be tricky to know where to start. Luckily, the brand makes some beautifully presented cologne sets, allowing you – or your lucky recipient – to try five bestsellers before committing to a favourite.
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Christine Nagel's brightest scent for Hermès is an instant classic. Playing up the botanical, almost aniseed-like properties of purple basil, this uplifting spritz is bright, mind-clearing, and just peppery enough. It's a 'natural spray' rather than an eau de parfum, so spritz with abandon, day and night.
One particular ingredient is responsible for this scent's cult status - Iso E Super. This aroma molecule doesn't exist in nature and reacts differently to each individual's skin chemistry, giving it the inimitable ability to smell different on everyone. The wearer will only smell it for a fleeting moment, but for those around you the unique scent will last all day.