6 best everyday colognes for men in 2024

Dior
Dior's Sauvage line, featuring Johnny Depp as the ambassador (Image via Dior)

Every man knows the power of a good cologne, and in choosing a signature scent, he's essentially putting forth his personality, aura, and style in the form of a whiff of air that cloaks him. Whether for a long day at the office, a night out with some friends, or simply running errands, the right fragrance undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression.

First made by the Mesopotamians over four millennia ago, fragrance can be traced back to ancient civilizations, proving that smelling good was in style even back then. From the burst of fresh citrus to the warmer, woody undertones, a good cologne stands out with the right balance of something subtle yet noticeable that makes heads turn when you walk into a room.

In this list, we're looking at some of the most popular colognes that do just that.

Disclaimer: This piece reflects the writer's opinion; the reader's discretion is advised. Do let us know in the comments what you think should have made the cut.


The most head-turning bottles of cologne to check out this year

1) Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani

Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani (Image via Armani)
Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani (Image via Armani)

One of the most popular fragrances since its inception in 1996, Armani himself created the concoction for both men and women. The scent is reminiscent of seawater, salty air, and enjoying the sun on your skin.

There are notes of Lime, Lemon, Bergamot, and Jasmine; middle notes include Sea Notes, Jasmine, Calone, and Rosemary, and base notes include White Musk, Cedar, Oakmoss, and Patchouli.


2) Sauvage Elixir by Dior

Sauvage Elixir by Dior (Image via Dior)
Sauvage Elixir by Dior (Image via Dior)

Arguably one of the most popular fragrances in the world, possibly because of the face attached to it, i.e., silver screen legend Johnny Depp, Saugvage Elixir is renowned for pleasing the olfactory senses with its blend of freshness and spices, expensive woods, and the essence of lavender.

The top notes include grapefruit and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, emanating heat and sensuality, or so the website says, with a tinge of zest. The lingering aroma of cardamom is a treat to the nose. It also features some whiffs of lavender, vanilla, amber, and even licorice.


3) Hugo Man by Hugo Boss

A single Hugo Man bottle of fragrance encapsulates the ethos of being a man since it was launched in 2021. While minimally designed, it's easy to be fooled by the simple casing. However, as the saying goes, "big things come in small packages."

Its signature scent is a crisp green apple, as it stands out with a blend of herbs and woody scents, leaving the wearer confident with every spritz. Notes include Pine, which makes for a rich base note, lavender, adding a slight feminine touch, and green apple as the top note.


4) Nautica Voyage by Nautica

Nautica Voyage 3.4 Oz. Eau De Toilette (Image via Nautica)
Nautica Voyage 3.4 Oz. Eau De Toilette (Image via Nautica)

As one of the more affordable options on this list, the brand has far from skimped out in the making of this potent love potion, one that reminds those who catch a whiff of being at the beach, basking in the sun as the salty sea breeze stings the nose in a bittersweet way.

Launched in 2006, its makeup includes notes of green leaves and apples, dewy mimosa, lotus, and the smell of the linen sail on a yacht. All that, coupled with the cedar, moss, musk, and amber, make this, by all means, a love potion.


5) CK One by Calvin Klein

CK One by Calvin Klein (Image via Amazon)
CK One by Calvin Klein (Image via Amazon)

This fragrance will surely leave behind a whiff of you wherever you go, given that it embodies classiness, refreshment, and uniqueness. The allure of this scent is that, as much as it invigorates everyone near you, it keeps you just as fresh and lively all day long.

This bottle comes in notes of a fruity blend of pineapple, mandarin orange, papaya, cardamom, and lime. However, the heart of this perfume lies in the notes of nutmeg, violet, jasmine, orris root, and rose, coupled with the base notes of sandalwood, amber, musk, cedar, and oakmoss.


6) Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne (Image via Jo Malone)
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne (Image via Jo Malone)

Perhaps not as popular as its counterparts on this list, this cologne cannot be understated: its impact is just as impressive. Launched in September 2014 and created by Christine Nagel, this soft & spicy and aquatic and floral concoction works wonders for both men and women.

With notes like ambrette seeds for the top note that gives it an oomph, sea salt for the heart that brings out the fresh air, and a base note of sage that emanates woody and aromatic spells, as the website says, it's like breathing the air "of the British coast" with this cologne.


And that concludes the list. These six bottles of cologne will undoubtedly make an impression wherever you go, whether in a lowkey, more breezy way or in a confident, more dominant sense.

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Edited by Sarah Nazamuddin Harniswala