It’s always a competition with us humans, isn’t it? We start off young, with silly games and unusual ways of proving everyone else that we are the coolest kids on the block. And things get to different levels as the years go by; we’re seemingly in a constant competition throughout our lives, always struggling to be the best or have the best. Is it the same with colognes for men?
Probably yes, that’s why some of the most high-end perfumes cost more than anything else. But these olfactory wonders are more luxurious than the rest, teasing and exciting everyone around with unique scents, cool packaging and a touch of exclusivity. It’s a competition here as well – the best perfumers in the world use nothing but the finest ingredients in an effort to receive everyone’s praise and appreciation.
Sure, pronouncing their names may sometimes prove to be difficult but that’s beside the point right now; all you need to do is know what you like, have some cash to spare, and possibly a date to impress.
With no particular order in mind, here is a list with the 10 best luxury colognes for men that are totally worth checking out.
Incense Oud by Kilian
This oriental luxury fragrance for men was revealed ten years ago, back in 2011, and it is not a force to be reckoned with. Incense Oud Eau de Parfum by Kilian hides behind a base of agarwood (oud), musk, oak moss and incense, while also delivering an oriental mix notes, with rose, pink pepper, cardamom, papyrus, patchouli and sandalwood being all included in this alluring scent.
Let’s take a minute and try and imagine the overwhelming aroma of this intense perfume. Sharp and spicy, this long-lasting cologne stays with you in more ways than one, thanks to the increased use of exotic oils.
Creed Aventus
Although it’s about ten years old, Aventus by Creed still manages to shock and awe. A niche luxury fragrance housed inside a striking bottle, this Chypre-fruity perfume is the most popular scent ever made by the House of Creed. It’s a somewhat of a rare treat as well, due to its limited distribution and extraordinary smell that celebrates strength, power, success, and the brand’s unique vision.
An unrivaled scent created by Olivier Creed and Erwin Creed, this perfume features a musk, oak moss and ambergris and vanilla base, complemented by high-end top notes of blackcurrant, bergamot, French apples and pineapple, with birch, patchouli, Moroccan jasmine and rose also added to the blend.
Perfect for gentlemen who enjoy the finer things in life, Aventus by Creed can be easily described as a luxury fragrance with a well-defined masculine edge. Ready or not, here it comes!
Clive Christian X Masculine Edition
VIEW PRICE ➝Launched in 2001, this spicy oriental cologne has a luxurious-looking bottle and an equally alluring scent, with bold bursts of rhubarb, pineapple and bergamot. Aside from its prestigious packaging, Clive Christian’s X For Men demands respect due to its masculine attitude and of course, the brand reputation.
A wonderful middle mix between Iris, paprika and jasmine was chosen to entice women, while the base aroma benefits from notes of vanilla, cinnamon, oakmoss, amber and French labdanum.
Armani Privé Rose d’Arabie
Another oriental delight that’s also available for both men and women, Rose d’Arabie Eau de Parfum is part of Armani’s Prive collection, and that should be more than enough to understand its exclusivity. If not, we should tell you that this stunning luxury perfume was inspired by medieval Arabian tales from 1001 nights.
It was released in a collection of three scents called “La Collection des Mille et une Nuits” together with Oud Royal and Ambre Oriental, but Rose d’Arabie was the most sought after perfume. It comes with a magical blend of Damascus rose, vanilla, patchouli, and Arab woods, that sounds pretty exotic and warm. Unisex, long-lasting, expensive – totally worth it.
Jo Malone London Oud & Bergamot
Just like wines, it seems that some periods in time are better than others when it comes to developing fragrances. Jo Malone London Oud & Bergamot is another perfume unveiled in 2010. Designed by the acclaimed perfumer Christine Nagel, this charming perfume was inspired by Middle Eastern traditions and perfumes.
She came up with a fresh reinterpretation of oud perfumes combining the citrus notes of bergamot, orange and lemon with a deliciously sweet and woody base. Intense and powerful, Oud & Bergamot is easily one of the best luxury colognes for men and the best thing is that it’s not even as expensive as other perfumes in this list.
Helmut Lang Cuiron Pour Homme
VIEW PRICE ➝Launched in 2002, Helmut Lang’s Cuiron Pour Homme is a masculine Woody-Chypre fragrance that stands out from a crowd easily. This perfume shows off top notes of mandarin orange and bergamot, alongside elements like pink pepper, cinnamon, ripe plum and ambrette, while its base is a bold mix that combines tobacco, suede and labdanum.
Sure, all those fruity-citrusy notes might lead you to believe that this perfume is slightly too fresh and sweet, but it has a stong masculine vibe thanks to its powerful spicy notes that favor a bold presence.
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Private Blend
It was 2016 when Tom Ford decided it was just the right time to unveil a new fabulous perfume for both men and women. Soleil Blanc is an oriental, floral fragrance that boldly embraces the endless pursuit of luxury, with a creamy and sweet base of bitter almonds, amber, tonka beans, benzoin and coconut milk that’s way too difficult to resist – if not impossible.
Boasting a rich mix of vivid sensuality from pistachio, cardamom, pink pepper and bergamot, once you get a sniff of this expensive cologne you will instantly feel like you’re being teleported to an island paradise. This sultry floral scent is pretty expensive, but it could very well be considered the perfect gift – yes, please!
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud
Introduced back in 2012, OUD is one of Francis Kurkdjian’s most popular creations – a lovely scent inspired by ancient Arabian perfumes. Sensual and alluring, Oud is actually a unisex fragrance that teases your senses in the most overwhelming of ways thanks to its rich composition in agarwood (oud) that comes straight from Laos.
The unique oriental aroma of this fragrance is enhanced even more by notes of cedar, patchouli, and a bit of spicy saffron, making it a great choice for a fall or winter luxury perfume for men. Don’t just take our word for it, try it out.
Christian Dior Ambre Nuit
VIEW PRICE ➝Whether we’re talking about high fashion, fragrances or stylish accessories, Dior is always a brand that’s associated with masterpieces, and that’s the case here as well. Ambre Nuit is another dreamy oriental fragrance that’s overloaded with top notes of grapefruit and sunny bergamot, while a spicy, floral heart of intoxicating Turkish rose and pink pepper brings a passionate and sensual vibe.
A bold and sophisticated cologne, bearing the logo of a high-end French Maison, Ambre Nuit is more than any hot-blooded man could wish for. A warm base of amber completes the whole composition and leaves a seductive trail.
Valentino V Pour Homme
One of the most expensive perfumes for men on the market right now, the bold V Pour Homme from Valentino has been wildly popular, ever since it was launched back in 2006. This irresistible oriental woody cologne has been called by critics a ‘master of seduction’, a perfume that overpowers your will and possibly, your wallet.
Valentine’s V Pour Homme teases your senses with a remarkable citrus scent, mixing mandarin orange and bergamot, that’s perfectly balanced by splashes of pink pepper, tamarind and basil. Who could resist a woody heart of sandalwood, amber, musk, cedar or mace?
In the end, luxurious notes of vanilla, cocoa, heliotrope, cumin, patchouli, ambrette and jasmin create a long-lasting trail that will seduce anyone. So, which one would you like?
