Top 5 Colognes for Men: The Best of All Time

I am an army brat who is a jack of all trades and a master of none. I love my family and country and try to do my best for both.

Every year, a plethora of new colognes hit the perfume counters of our local malls and shopping centers. Every day, we are deluged with ads, commercials, and fold-out centers in magazines bombarding us with promises that certain fragrances are the best for driving women wild. But we know that this cannot be true. Only one can be the best cologne for men; only one can be the king of the hill. It makes me wonder: What makes the best cologne the best? Is it the superior quality, aggressive marketing, or just plain ol' luck?

This short countdown is designed to give you a heads-up on what scents work best for the identity you want to create for yourself. These are the 5 best colognes to drive women wild, and you should have them in your arsenal to give you an advantage over the next guy.

5. Chanel Bleu de Chanel

Coming in at number five is Chanel Bleu de Chanel.

I love the citrus and woodsy blend in this one. It came out in 2004, and though it has made a name for itself on the runways of France, it isn't overly well-known here in the States—at least not yet.

This is a good thing for those who do not want to blend in with the masses. Once a cologne hits critical mass popularity, I take it off my shelf or use it as an air freshener in my truck. In other words, I try to avoid smelling like the guy in the next cubical.

Furthermore, scent is a very powerful tool. If a person identifies you with a person they already know, based on the common scent of your cologne, you better hope they like that person. If they don't, they may unintentionally attach what they like or dislike about that person onto you just because of the way you smell.

Luckily, this scent is more expensive than most popular colognes, so that helps keep it out of the hands of the masses.

4. Burberry Brit by Burberry for Men

Burberry got its start back in 1856 when Thomas Burberry opened an outfitters shop in Hampshire, England. The original line consisted of outdoor wear for hunters and sportsmen.

It wasn't until 2000 that Burberry launched its new masculine fragrance for men, bringing a taste of British class and elegance to the world. The design you see on the bottle is known as the Burberry, or tartan, pattern, and it is one of the most widely copied trademarks of all time. This same pattern is found on all of their trench coats and outerwear. You may have seen it around.

With all that being said, Burberry Brit is one of the finest colognes for men that I have ever used. There is a touch of elegance and luxury in every bottle. The scent is a fine woodsy aroma with a hint of ginger and mandarin orange.

If you want to exude luxury and class, you have found the "fish and chips" of British cologne.

3. One Million by Paco Rabanne

When I first saw the shiny gold bar bottle on the shelf behind the perfume counter, I had to laugh a little. It looked a bit cheesy to me. Of course, it stood out from all the rest of the bottles, and in marketing, that is what you want. Normally, I avoid jumping through obvious marketing gimmick hoops, but I had to give this one a try.

Ironically, One Million By Paco Rabanne got the last laugh. This stuff is golden. With notes of blonde leather, white woods, grapefruit, cinnamon, and amber, this stuff comes across like a million bucks.

You have heard the old saying, "You are what you think you are." Well, I think I am worth a splash of One Million—or more, for that matter. When I take that gold bar in the morning and mist myself with its sweet nectar, it makes me feel like I am worth a million bucks.

Arrogant? No. Just like the Prodigal Son, I am the honored guest at this feast of life, and I am willing to treat myself as such. Never cut yourself down or sell yourself short. Treat yourself like the treasure that you are.

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It's also worth mentioning that I have yet to find a lady who doesn't find this stuff to be sexy and alluring. You wouldn't believe me if I told you how many times women have stopped me to ask what fragrance I am wearing.

Ladies, if you are thinking about getting this for your guy, I am sure that you will like it. But, I need you to be honest. Are you confident and secure in your relationship? This is a fragrance that women love, and I think it works better than those pheromone colognes. So, if you are not sure and secure, keep on shopping.

2. Obsession by Calvin Klein

I hate to go all old-school on you, but Obsession is a classic that still holds its own.

I don't know if you know this or not, but it is a fact that women have a better sense of smell than men. No one knows for sure why this is, but the speculation is that at one time women applied this superior power of scent to determine if a male was suitable for propagation.

Here is another interesting little factoid: Obsession has been proven to attract big cats better than any other perfume. For some reason, big cats love to roll around in, or rub up on, anything the handlers have sprayed with Obsession. You can see the full story by reading "Big Cats "Obsessed" Over Calvin Klein Cologne."

This scent can pull in some pretty wild game, and it has proven itself to be the king of the jungle. If you are a man on the prowl, and you need a fragrance for a wild night life, this is the best cologne for you. Just a little heads-up: Do not wear this to the zoo. You do not want to give those wild cats any reason to be attracted to you.

1. Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani

I kind of hate to give away one of my best-kept secrets, but I am going to be honest with you and tell you what my favorite cologne is and why it holds the number one spot on this list.

Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani holds the coveted title of best men's cologne because women find this stuff to be swoon-worthy. For some reason, they tend to melt in its presence. It is more than just sex appeal—this stuff makes the ladies kind of dreamy-eyed.

I have seen women swoon and melt too many times when I wear this to think that it was just a coincidence. Granted, I am no slouch, but I do not tend to command that type of reaction unless I have this stuff on. It is my secret weapon, and I like to use it. I hope it works just as well for you.

The #1 Best-Seller?

Did you know that Nautica Voyage is the number 1 best-selling cologne on Amazon? This doesn't mean it is the best men's fragrance out there, but for the price, it is worth a sniff. It is great for everyday use. The light and breezy scent is compatible with just about anyone. That may be why it sells so well.

Why Do Men Wear Cologne?

The practice of men wearing perfume goes back thousands of years. I am sure that the original intent was to mask one's original bad odor.

The best cologne for men back then was the strongest one they could find. The concept of bathing regularly was not widespread back in the day, and the use of a strong fragrance to mask a bad funk was probably a welcome relief.

In today's world, cologne is not just another fashion accessory, nor is it worn just for the joy of wearing it. You may not recognize it, but the reason we wear this stuff is to use it as an extension of our identity. It is who we are three to five feet away.

How does a person who doesn't know you define you? Usually, they will judge you by your looks, attitude, scent, and persona. Most of those are fixed factors, but your scent and your attitude are the most malleable and easiest to change. You do not want to come across as cheap, plain, and unsophisticated, so don't wear anything that would give off that vibe or odor.

You need to use your identity in the best way that you can to create the impression you desire. But don't wear your identity too strong; leave a bit of mystery. This holds true for both work and play.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

What Is Your Favorite Cologne and Why?

Steve Whitlow on March 30, 2018:

# 1 = Grey Flannel. #2 Giorgio For Men ( RED ). # 3 WINGS # 4 Sometimes I like the smell of OLD SPICE cologne.. NOTHING THAT HAS A MUSK SMELL ----WAY TOO MUCH !!!....SCW...

Mike on December 17, 2017:

You say you don’t want to smell like anyone else but you listed one of the most common fragrances as your secret weapon. Great writing though

Alex on November 17, 2017:

Geo F Trumper Eucris Eau de toilette

Aramis by Aramis

Guerlain Vetiver

Creed Aventus

Creed Royal Oud

Foobaby on August 07, 2017:

Where is the Polo (Ralph Lauren)???

scentrist on July 30, 2017:

Dior Fahrenheit,

Creed Aventus

L'Air Du Desert Marocain

Chanel Sycomore

Amoauge Memoir man

Jani on July 30, 2017:

I am sad to say that none of them even close to top 500 fragrances for men and u mentioned it as top 5 wow...

peter on March 25, 2017:

Van Cleef an Arpel!!!

WOW

AJ from Australia on August 17, 2016:

I like some of your suggestions, especially the Chanel Bleu, but unfortunately have to say that the Calvin Klein Obsession is just too overbearing for me, even though I enjoy most other Calvin Klein fragrances. My husband recently had some and I've never been happier to see/smell the end of something.

Birthday Wishes from Here on August 17, 2013:

I use the one from Giorgio Armani and I love it! Wonderful review lens!