The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Cologne

Let this Father’s Day be different from all others. Don’t do the typical last-minute, grab-anything shopping. Instead, think about what he likes. We offer one item that tops the list for most men—cologne.

Now, remember, it’s less about the scents you like. Your goal should be to choose one he favours. If you’re unsure, then begin with a little investigation. Find out what notes or scents he likes. Does he find the fragrance of coffee, pine, tobacco, or leather appealing? Then, you should consider his lifestyle and the environment in which he will most likely wear it. The New York Times writer Tynan Sinks observes that certain fragrances are best suited for specific times. For example, intense, musky scents may not be well-suited for professional environments as they may be overpowering. 

An additional factor to consider when selecting a cologne is that fragrances react to hormonal levels and body chemistry. Because of this, it is always best to test the fragrance on your skin before purchasing. You may even have experienced the change in a scent after some time has passed. Of course, you’re choosing a cologne fragrance for a man, so it may not be possible to test it if it’s a surprise. This limitation makes it even more important to choose a fragrance based on a note that he actually likes.

To help you with your purchase, we’ve created a glossary of terms you can use. We also asked several men to name their favourites. You can review their comments for suitable options.   

Glossary of terms for fragrances

Notes – These are the various ingredients in a fragrance’s composition. A cologne comprises top, heart and base notes. You first smell top notes at the spritz of a cologne or perfume. Once these evaporate, typically, it happens quickly, and the heart notes surface. Lastly, usually about an hour after the spritz, the base notes, which are long-lasting, arise.  

Accord—In perfumery, an accord is a combination of materials that produces a new or distinct scent. It tells the story of the fragrance. Some known accords are oriental, wood, citrus, floral, amber, chypre, and fougère.

Cologne – Generally, this term is used to refer to masculine scents. However, Eau de Cologne is a particular concentration of perfume oil in perfumery. It is less concentrated than parfum and Eau de Toilette as it is made with fewer perfume oils. 

Intensity—Scent or fragrance intensity refers to its strength. When there is a higher concentration of fragrant oils than alcohol, the composition is stronger and lasts longer.

10 Men Around the Region Share their Favourite Colognes

We wanted to offer you a list of fragrances based on what men say they like. So, we asked them and here’s what they had to say:

Azzaro Chrome and Kenneth Cole Black

“When I first began using cologne, I started with Chrome. Now, Kenneth Cole Black is my favourite! It’s definitely my go-to scent.” – Nicholas R. (Trinidad)

Azzaro Chrome, Versace Man, Jimmy Choo Intense and Legend Spirit by Mont Blanc

“Chrome was the first cologne I fell in love with. I’ve been using Versace Man mostly lately, but I also have a Jimmy Choo Intense. However, favourite, and I stressing ‘favourite’ is Legend Spirit.” - Nigel J. (Trinidad)    

Versace Man, Dunhill Fresh, Sean John 3 AM by P.Diddy and Issey Miyake Intense

“Those are subtle but imposing fragrances. I also like that when I enter a room or space, they command the attention and more often than not, it’s a room where I will need the attention of others.” - Roger J. (Guyana)

Curve, Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche and AB Spirit Millionaire

“I like cologne with musk, so these are the ones I stick with. Also, I have sinus problems, and these don’t trigger them.” – Basil F. (Grenada)

Toy Boy by Moschino, Y by Yves Saint Laurent, and Hermès H24

“I’m currently using these three. Our senses connect us to the world, evoking emotions and feelings and recalling memories. They also excite us. Colognes do the same thing by playing on our sense of smell. These are my favourites because they do all of these things.” – Adel P. (Grenada)

Explorer by Mont Blanc and Dior Homme

“It’s interesting because these two are very loud but soft, too. Also, neither irritates my sinus. I like that both linger; they can last days on my clothes even after washing. I’ve also received good reviews about how I smell from people when I wear them.” – Mtumda D. (Grenada)

Paco Rabanne Invictus

“This one is my number one! I love the scent. It’s just…masculine.” – Hanniff M. (Jamaica)

Hugo Boss

“It’s not too strong. The fragrance is very subtle. People don’t really catch the scent unless you’re speaking to someone up close, and I like that. It suits my personality.” – Khalid U. (Belize)   

Legend Spirit by Mont Blanc

“I love the scent; it’s fresh and clean. Also, it lasts very long.” – Allen T.  (St. Lucia)

Polo’ Red’ Collection by Ralph Lauren and Eternity by Calvin Klein

“I love the collection as a whole (Red, Rush and Extreme). I love the remixes of the red, but the original is the one—grapefruit and redwood. However, Eternity is my go-to fragrance. It complements any look I go for. I’m a sucker for the sandalwood endnote.” – Geffen G. (Montserrat)

You’ve heard it from the men, and were they excited to share! It appears men take their cologne selection very seriously.

With this ultimate guide to shopping for the perfect cologne, you're armed and ready to get Dad one he will love! Still, for further guidance in selecting a cologne based on accords, you can visit the Fragrantica website. Also, remember that the same cologne may smell differently on two people becuase of their body chemistry. 

Sources: Bespoke Post, Moellhausen, The New York Times and The Perfume Shop.