What if I was to tell you that there is an invisible superpower available at your disposal that many guys seem to over-look. That superpower is called fragrance!
What are the most complimented men’s fragrances? Scents that lean towards the oriental/woody family tend to be the most complimented men’s fragrances. Iris, lavender, vanilla, spice, leather and tobacco are all huge attention-grabbing notes.
Before you dust off that old bottle of Korous, perhaps a better idea would be to review 20 of the most complimented men’s fragrances of all time. Let’s get started!
The Most Complimented Fragrances For Men
Whilst some of the most complimented men’s fragrances listed here are well known, others are more niche. The days of wearing a single ‘signature scent’ are numbered, owning a small collection of amazing scents that you can layer is bang on-trend.
1. Creed Aventus Eau de Parfum
Review
Creed Aventus Eau De Parfum is a dynamic, individual fragrance that exudes male confidence. The notes are really interesting as they are not individually overly masculine, but when combined you have something special.
Aventus opens with fruity blackcurrant, sweet pineapple, and zesty bergamot. Combine this with woody musky notes of patchouli, oakmoss and birch, you have something refined and special. Vanilla provides the icing on the sophisticated cake.
This may be an expensive fragrance, but you can smell the quality. Plus at the end of the day, it’s the price of an expensive shirt and you will get far more enjoyment from a bottle of this beauty.
A compliment generating spring/summer male fragrance. Think garden parties, long walks, outdoor dining.
As you would expect from such a high-class fragrance house, Creed Aventus has excellent longevity of 7+ hours.
In Summary:
A masterclass of how a sophisticated masculine fragrance should be formulated. An addictive mix of fruity/smoky notes in a bottle.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Blackcurrant, Pineapple, Apple
Mid Notes:
Birch, Patchouli, Rose, Jasmine
Base Notes:
Musk, oak moss, Vanilla, Ambergris
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- A refined scent of fruity / woody notes
- Compliment generating male fragrance
- Rather pricey
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
2. Tom Ford F**king Fabulous Eau de Parfum
Review
I remember the first time I experienced F**king Fabulous. I was at the Tom Ford counter in Harrods with Ingrid, when we sprayed it we both looked at each other open-mouthed. Don’t let the attention-seeking marketing of the name put you off as this is one incredible fragrance.
Upon the first spray, there were so many notes I could not keep up. I just gave out an overall ‘wow’. After a few moments, bitter almond and leather surface, floral of lavender soon after. Tonka bean, amber, cashmeran entertain. Only slightly woody on the base.
F**king Fabulous Eau De Parfum is both quirky and eccentric. Possibly unique. There’s nothing quite like it that I have tried before or since. Excellent longevity of 7+ hours.
Looking at the list of notes you would think this is autumn/winter. I have been wearing this a while now and have found it can be worn any time, day, night, season. Receives lots of compliments.
Summary:
A jaw-dropping fragrance. I don’t normally enjoy leather, but boy is this high-class. The bitter almond and leather combo, when mixed with tonka and lavender create magic.
Top Notes:
Clary, Sage, Lavender
Mid Notes:
Bitter Almond, Vanilla ,Leather, Orris
Base Notes:
Tonka Bean, Leather, Cashmeran, Amber, White Wood
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- A top-class fragrance
- Great performance all-round
- Rather pricey
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
3. Amouage Reflection Man Eau de Parfum
Review
Amouage Reflection Man Eau De Parfum is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s an almost ‘feminine’ white floral male scent. Perhaps that’s why it draws in so many compliments.
The opening is fresh, clean and luxurious. Dominated by powdery/green white florals of jasmine and neroli. They nestle nicely into creamy sandalwood and the spice of pepper and rosemary. The blend of green white florals, spice and creamy woody notes are absolutely jaw-dropping. This is an astonishing white floral/woody male fragrance that ticks so many boxes.
There is something for everyone here, but it’s also rather unique at the same time. This feels like an all year round formal male fragrance. Think suit & tie, weddings, bars, clubs, or balls.
Incredible longevity of 8+ hours. The white florals and sandalwood just keep coming.
Summary:
A refined floral evening male fragrance that even smells ultra expensive. One to wear when you are dressed up and ready to impress. Let the compliments commence.
Top Notes:
Rosemary, Pink Pepper, Petitgrain
Mid Notes:
Orris Root, Jasmine, Neroli, Ylang-Ylang
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vetiver, Cedar
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Well blended gentlemen scent
- Incredible longevity & sillage
- A bit pricey
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
4. Boadicea The Victorious Ardent Eau de Parfum
Review
Hold on to your hats, time to invest in a unisex fragrance that is more floral focused. Don’t be fooled, Ardent Eau De Parfum is not some linear rose heavy fragrance. It is both complex and balanced nicely with a warm spiciness.
Coriander and saffron start the party. Rose provides extremely high-class floral notes. But it does not stop there. The subtle sweetness of beeswax and warm vanilla, amber & patchouli all play their part to raise the bar to the highest level.
Perfect for both day and nightwear, Ardent is more suited to autumn/winter. Very long-lasting 6+ hours on skin.
Summary:
The rose perfume note is an exciting addition to any male fragrance. Not overly feminine and combined with deep woody/sweet notes, sweet beeswax and creamy woods it really sings.
Top Notes:
Saffron, Coriander, Rose
Mid Notes:
Rose absolute, Jasmine, Beeswax
Base Notes:
Agarwood, Benzoin, Amber
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Classy rose & beeswax scent
- Great performance
- Slightly more on the feminine side
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
5. Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum
Review
Although Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum is extremely well known, it is still the king of the compliment.
Upon opening, you are greeted with crisp citrus and the zing of ambroxan. Pepper/spice and fragrant lavender are soon to follow as this fragrance begins to open up. Upon dry-down warming yet subtle vanilla comes into play to complete the effect. This is crisp yet creamy, slightly sweet but also spicy. Destined to become a classic male fragrance.
Sure, a lot of guys wear this fragrance and for good reason. This is a sophisticated and sexy smelling cologne and should not be overlooked.
This can be worn any time, day, night, season. Excellent as both a date scent, office scent or your go-to signature scent. The EDP version is very long-lasting at 7+ hours.
Summary:
A sexy and sophisticated male fragrance that is well known for getting the right attention. One of my personal favourites, especially when layered with Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille.
Top Notes:
Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Pepper, Star Anise, Nutmeg
Base Notes:
Ambroxan, Vanilla
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- A classy & sophisticated signature scent
- Very versatile with great longevity & sillage
- Some may find it slightly overwhelming
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harvey Nichols:
6. Bleu De Chanel Eau de Parfum
Review
Bleu De Chanel Eau De Parfum is a triumph from the iconic Chanel. It’s a masterclass of how a modern male fragrance should be.
The EDP version is a far richer and creamier experience than its weaker cousin, the EDT version.
Grapefruit provides an opening sharpness and combines with a generous serving of incense. Light floral of jasmine makes a welcome appearance and combines with nutmeg and ginger for added spice. The dry-down is mature and feels dark and penetrating with incense, amber and woody notes. The culmination of sharp citrus, floral hints, incense, spice and abyss-like woody notes are absolutely stunning.
Just because it is deemed ‘mainstream’ should not detract from its virtues as an attention seeker of a fragrance. This is very sexy, make no mistake about it.
Another great all-rounder. Bleu De Chanel Eau De Parfum can be worn any time, day, night, season. Excellent as a daytime out-and-about fragrance, or a Sunday brunch scent. The EDP version is very long-lasting at 7+ hours.
Summary:
An incredibly alluring male fragrance that will get you noticed.
Top Notes:
Lemon, Grapefruit, Pink Pepper, Bergamot, Coriander, Mint, Aldehydes
Mid Notes:
Melon, Jasmine, Ginger, Nutmeg
Base Notes:
Labdanum, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cedar, Amber, Incense, Woody
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Well balanced alluring fragrance for men
- Perfect for any occasion
- Sillage is on the weak side
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harvey Nichols:
7. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum
Review
Was this fragrance really launched way back in 2007? It still feels bang on-trend and cutting edge even today. If you have yet to take this beauty for a test drive then NOW is the time.
Tobacco Vanille Eau De Parfum begins with a wave of delicious cocoa-chocolate and vanilla. Dry-down is fast and in no more than 5 minutes (on my skin, anyway) the heady notes of tobacco and woody notes make their presence known. Now the tobacco is not your average tobacco, no sir… its fresh, rich, gourmet, unsmoked pipe tobacco.
Primarily an autumn/winter fragrance to be worn late afternoon all the way into the early hours of the following day. However, as already mentioned, this layers beautifully with Dior Sauvage creating an all year round compliment generating male fragrance.
Incredible longevity of 8+ hours.
Summary:
Tobacco Vanille is a classy mature fragrance. Highly sophisticated and exudes style. Will delight both you and those around you.
Top Notes:
Tobacco Leaf, Spice
Mid Notes:
Tonka Bean, Tobacco blossom, Vanilla, Cacao
Base Notes:
Dried Fruits, Woody Notes
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Classy blend of gourmet tobacco/vanille
- Incredible longevity & sillage
- A bit pricey
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:
8. Versace Eros Eau de Toilette
Review
How did an Eau De Toilette make it onto my precious list? When it smells this fantastic and lasts longer than The Terminator, that’s when.
Clean mint, vanilla and nutty tonka bean are the stars of the show here and they blend perfectly. Eros Eau de Toilette is fresh but not overly relying on the mint. Citrus and green apple provide additional crisp/greenness and musky/woody ambroxan and cedar are ever-present once dry-down is complete. This is a very sexy fragrance that evolves as the hours’ pass. Very high performing for the first 2-3 hours.
This is one of those any-season, and time of day fragrance. Perfect for weddings, funerals, and everything in between.
Admittedly this is a pretty mainstream scent now, however, you can stand out from the crowd by layering with Viktor & Rolf’s Spicebomb. The additional spice, tobacco and cinnamon just make Versace Eros sing! So when you do get yet another compliment, being able to explain you are layering 2 frags is pretty darn cool.
Excellent longevity of 4+ hours. This is pretty good for an EDT. Whenever Versace releases an EDP follow-up version I will be lining up for a bottle, presuming they don’t stray too far from the DNA of the original.
Summary:
A stunningly energetic and sexy male fragrance. It’s cheap enough to simply blind buy. What are you waiting for?
Top Notes:
Mint, Apple, Lemon
Mid Notes:
Tonka Bean, Geranium, Ambroxan
Base Notes:
Madagascar Vanilla, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Cedar
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Sexy & versatile
- Good value for money
- Rather pricey
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harvey Nichols:
9. Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male Eau de Toilette
Review
Ultra Male Eau De Toilette is a re-worked version of the Jean Paul Gaultier classic scent Le Male. When French contemporary perfumer Francis Kurkdjian is behind any fragrance, you know you are in for a wild ride. This fragrance is a seductively timeless masculine scent that is high on the compliment scale.
Ultra Male opens with super fresh citrus notes of bergamot, along with juicy and sweet pear, clean mint and lavender. The mint really makes you sit up and pay attention. Spicy mid notes (cinnamon, sage, caraway) are what allows this scent to stand out, adding mystery to the initial opening. The base consists of black vanilla, amber and woods.
As for then to wear; for me, the cinnamon, sage and caraway make this scent lean towards autumn/winter. The sweetness is perfectly offset with spice and woody/amber make this an any-occasion cologne.
Excellent longevity of 6+ hours which is pretty amazing for EDT. The Amber, cinnamon and vanilla, in particular, seem to go on forever. Especially when on clothes.
Summary:
Although I personally feel that branding/bottle of JPG is looking a little tired, you need to look past this. This scent itself is stunning, and a worthy member of the most complimented men’s fragrances. The combination of pear, vanilla and cinnamon with an amber/cedar base is exquisite. One you can blind buy.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Pear, Mint, Lavender, Lemon
Mid Notes:
Cinnamon, Sage, Caraway
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Amber, Cedar, Patchouli
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Seductively timeless masculine scent
- Great for blind buy
- Bottle a little bit dated
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis:
10. Prada L’Homme Intense Eau de Parfum
Review
Wow! Prada L’Homme Intense Eau de Parfum is spectacular. It is a dark & sexy blend of floral, powdery, woody, and leathery notes. I was on a cruise (and had not quite found my sea legs) when I first sampled Prada L’Homme Intense. It was like turning on a light switch.
Opens with singular creamy/slightly sweet floral note of Iris, coupled with dreamy tonka bean and sumptuously rich leather. This combination, with touches of amber, certainly create the wow factor.
Only slightly woody on the base. Upon dry down, it turns almost powdery and slightly sweet but not overdone. The leather, tonka and amber keep things on the more masculine side. Love the Iris.
Watch out! This one (on me) smells completely different on skin than it did on test paper. You need to spray it on yourself and let it settle for 20 minutes. This is a beauty.
You would think this is autumn/winter, however, the Iris transforms it into a scent that can be worn any season and for any occasion.
Prada L’Homme Intense Eau de Parfum has excellent longevity of 7+ hours.
Summary:
A compliment generating machine. More masculine than the standard Prada L’homme and certainly puts a spring in your step.
Top Notes:
Iris
Mid Notes:
Patchouli, Amber
Base Notes:
Leather, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Beautifully balanced floral woody fragrance
- Longlasting, suitable for all seasons
- Rather pricey
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis:
11. Bond No 9 Bleecker Street Eau de Parfum
Review
Bond No 9 Bleecker Street Eau de Parfum is a seductive blend of fruity/woody/suede notes that lavishes the wearer with a discreet yet ever-present warming glow.
Opening with a glorious fanfare of fruity blueberry and suede, this fragrance in one classy experience from the start. After 20 minutes or so you are greeted with subtle hints of jasmine, oakmoss and warming vanilla and caramel.
Bleecker Street has some interesting stages of evolution. Starts off more green/herbal and matures more towards floral/spicy/amber vanilla.
Even with the fruity blueberry and a hint of crisp/green, the warming effect of the suede, vanilla and caramel combination manoeuvre this sent more to the autumn/winter seasons in my opinion.
The longevity of this fragrance is long-lasting (particularly the suede and oakmoss) and remained present for 6+ hours.
Summary:
Overall, a unique fruity and warming masculine smelling autumn/winter scent with an interesting hint of freshness thrown in. Class in a bottle.
Top Notes:
Blueberry, Violet Leaf, Cassis
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Cedar, Cinnamon
Base Notes:
Suede, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Vanilla and Caramel
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Gorgeous any occasion fragrance for men
- Good sillage & decent longevity
- Rather pricey
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Selfridges:
12. Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur Eau de Parfum
Review
The oriental Musc Ravageur Eau de Parfum was blended by Maurice Roucel who has produced a bold, intense, and yet complex fragrance.
Opens with the warming notes of cinnamon and cloves that perfectly counterbalance the deeper notes of tonka bean and musk in order to produce a truly unique perfume.
The base notes of musk, amber, and various woods mean that this scent lasts well, and though it has a low sillage, it mellows into a pleasant and more intricate version of the intense fragrance evident at first application. This means that it can work as a bold daytime perfume for autumn, winter and spring when the cold, fresh mornings will complement it best.
Summary:
This is an intoxicating sexy musky/amber fragrance that will reel in the compliments.
Top Notes:
Lavender, Bergamot, Tangerine
Mid Notes:
Cinnamon, Cloves
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Cedar, Guaiac Wood, Tonka Bean, Amber, Musk, Vanilla
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- A sweet, spicy, & sexy unisex scent
- Long lasting
- Slightly on a heavy side
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Selfridges:
13. Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum
Review
Byredo’s Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum is a lovely oriental perfume that was first introduced in 2014. Its inspiration comes from a “ghost” flower that grows in the Mojave desert with virtually no water and without pollination.
The scent is such a combination of floral (notes of magnolia and violet), fruity (sapodilla), woody and almost powdery at first, followed by the warmth of amber and musk.
This perfume is best worn during the sunny days of the spring and summer seasons. I would even be as bold to say autumn as it has a fruity side. Very high on the compliment scale.
This is a long-lasting fragrance, at least 5+ hours.
Summary:
This is an oriental fragrance like no other. Warm, fruity and welcoming.
Top Notes:
Sapodilla, ambrette
Mid Notes:
Magnolia, sandalwood, violet
Base Notes:
Ambergris, cedar
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Versatile floral woody unisex scent
- Good performance
- Leans more towards feminine side
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
14. Roja Enigma Pour Homme Eau de Parfum
Review
Roja Enigma Pour Homme Eau de Parfum is an ultra high-class male fragrance. It is delicious, soft and sweet, with subtle vanilla that makes its way through waves of cognac and tobacco
The opening is peppery with neroli and bergamot. But hold tight, you are in for a treat as wave after wave of boozy cognac and fresh pipe tobacco work their magic. The cognac is not old and stale, but rather refined & aged, poured over ice with a slice of orange peel. Vanilla dances in and out triumphantly throughout.
This may be an expensive fragrance, but let’s face it, at the end of the day you get what you pay for. You certainly will not smell like anyone else when you wear this.
Perhaps the ultimate in compliment generation for the autumn/winter months. Wear it like a boss from late afternoon onwards.
As you would expect from Roja Dove, the performance of this fragrance is outstanding. Longevity is well over 8+ hours.
Summary:
You WILL get noticed when wearing this boozy vanilla and tobacco fragrance. If I could give it 11 out of 10 I would.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Neroli, Black Pepper
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Ginger, Tobacco, Cognac
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Patchouli, Benzoin
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- High-class, boozy vanilla & tobacco fragrance
- Excellent longevity & sillage
- Rather pricey
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Selfridges:
15. Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau de Toilette
Review
It’s quite easy to overlook Spicebomb Eau de Toilette as a ‘one-trick pony’. It’s not just spicy but has many layers to it such as tobacco, leather, and citrus to name a few.
Opens with sharp citrus top notes of bergamot and grapefruit combined with the nip of pepper. These soon succumb to the spicy mid notes of saffron, cinnamon and paprika. Dry-down is when the magic happens in my opinion; aromatic tobacco, powerful leather, earthy/woody vetiver complete the mystery.
I admit that I was expecting not to like Spicebomb. However, it blew me away with the incredible culmination of spices, citrus and leather/tobacco. This is so perfectly blended – it’s vibrant and fresh, deep and dynamic all at once. Layers brilliantly with the clean mint, vanilla and tonka bean combination of Versace Eros
Perfect for the autumn/winter months. I feel its more of a day time fragrance as the base needs a touch more woodiness to make it as a full-on evening scent. Longevity is pretty good at 5+ hours considering its an EDT.
Summary:
May seem too overly popular, but this spicy/citrus scent gets compliments galore.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Grapefruit, Pink Pepper, Elemi
Mid Notes:
Saffron, Cinnamon, Paprika
Base Notes:
Vetiver, Tobacco, Leather
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Vibrant and fresh, aromatic fragrance
- Decent longevity
- Lacks of depth
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:
16. Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de L’Homme Le Parfum
Review
The parfum version of Yves Saint Laurent’s La Nuit de L’Homme Le Parfum is a revelation. It’s dark, mysterious and downright sexy.
Begins with a rich fruity opening mixed with pepper and anise adding a darker side of spice. The lavender and vanilla come at you like a juggernaut. Finishes with a glorious dry down of earthy/woody vetiver.
This is such an addictive scent when I wear it I cannot resist basking in my own aroma! In my humble opinion, this is one of most dark, sensual and alluring YSL fragrances ever made.
A remarkable male fragrance for the autumn/winter months. More evening than daytime due to the fruit/spice combo. Think theatre, fancy restaurant, an evening stroll in the city. Would make a memorable first date fragrance, and who would not want a second date with someone smelling this
Longevity is excellent at 8+ hours. The fruity/spicy/vanilla notes perform incredibly well
Summary:
You are possibly crazy if you don’t consider making this dark and delicious fragrance your default winter scent. It’s both attention-grabbing and compliments generating.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Anise, Pepper
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Labdanum, Fruity Notes
Base Notes:
Vetiver, Patchouli, Vanilla
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Dark & rich spicy lavender scent
- Excellent longevity
- Sillage moderate
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:
17. Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Eau de Parfum
Review
When Thierry Wasser creates a male fragrance, even if it is cherry focused, I tend to pay attention. Oh boy, this an incredible scent.
Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Eau De Parfum opens with a fanfare of cherry, lavender, incense, sandalwood. Almond and vanilla provide the mid notes, plus tonka, without too much powder. As the dry-down continues, this fragrance finally settles to become woody/cherry-vanilla scent with rich leather, almond and creamy tonka. I swear I can detect tobacco in the base, perhaps it’s the tonka.
Don’t make your decision on this scent before letting it fully dry-down. Given 20 minutes this fragrance becomes classy, sophisticated and oh-so-delicious.
As for when to wear, this feels custom made for the autumn/winter months. Perfect autumn evening fragrance for when you go out for dinner then a walk after to get some air.
Longevity is excellent at 8+ hours. The cherry/vanilla/leather/tonka notes, in particular, perform especially well.
Summary:
A sexy/smooth male fragrance that is so much more than the sum of its parts. Almost a work of art, and certainly a compliment gatherer!
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Almond, Spices, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme
Mid Notes:
Bulgarian Rose, Vanilla, Incense, Cherry
Base Notes:
Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Leather
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- A unique, multi-faceted vanilla-cherry scent
- Classy evening fragrance
- Projection not as strong
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:
18. Valentino Uomo Intense Eau de Parfum
Review
Valentino Uomo Intense Eau de Parfum is a beautiful, sexy, initially almost feminine fragrance. This exquisite combination of iris, rich leather, and lush vanilla is a compliment magnet.
The opening is straight down to business, with a masculine floral wave of iris and sweet citrus in the form of mandarin. Upon dry-down, the deeper and more refined notes of leather, tonka bean and vanilla make their presence know. The culmination gives a smooth, a powdery vibe.
You need to give this beauty a little time to settle. After 30 minutes or so is when this fragrance transforms from the slightly feminine to the certainly masculine. Classy leather and creamy tonka bean come into their own, and dance with the iris to make this a feast for the olfactory senses. Very dark and seductive.
Autumn/winter for sure. This is a rich, classy, dark masculine fragrance that would be well suited for a more formal evening. Longevity is fairly long-lasting at 6+ hours.
Summary:
Definitely a must-have for anyone looking for a sophisticated dark and sexy male fragrance.
Top Notes:
Mandarin Orange, Clary, Sage
Mid Notes:
Iris, Tonka Bean
Base Notes:
Leather, Vanilla
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Sophisticated & sexy male fragrance
- Perfect for formal occasions
- Medium projection & sillage
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:
19. Hermès Terre d’Hermes Eau De Parfum
Review
I first experienced the citrus/woody/earthy Terre d’Hermes Eau De Parfum in Harrods and it was like a thunderbolt. Literally stopped me in my tracks. Definitely one for the collection.
The opening leans more towards grapefruit than orange (think fresh/sharp/juicy), although combined with subtle earth/mineral notes. They say patience is a virtue, and the dry-down is where everything comes together. Suddenly shows its masculinity with a woody base. Not sure if its the benzoin, but once settle is very smooth, almost creamy with light vanilla.
It smells very expensive indeed and clearly a crowd-pleasing male fragrance. Think high-class sophistication. Certainly gives Creed Aventus a run for its money.
As for when to wear; this is an everyman fragrance. Can be worn in any season, and occasion, and any time of day.
On me, the longevity was very good at 7+ hours. Could still detect it on my skin the next morning.
Summary:
Terre d’Hermes could easily be your default all-year-round fragrance. It’s a masculine, zesty, earthy compliment generator. Sophistication in a bottle.
Top Notes:
Grapefruit, Orange
Mid Notes:
Minerals
Base Notes:
Woody Notes, Oak moss, Benzoin
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- High-class, expensive smelling scent
- Excellent longevity
- Moderate sillage
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harvey Nichols:
20. Armani Code Eau de Toilette
Review
And what a classic this is. Armani Code For Men Eau De Toilette has been the king of compliments for what feels like forever. This citrus/floral/leather scent is such a crowd-pleaser that you should just grab a bottle right now to add to your collection.
Opening with the bright zing of lemon and bergamot, star anise and olive blossom soon join the party and add a spicy sophistication, as does sumptuous leather. Fresh cut pipe tobacco and smooth tonka bean complete the experience to create a sexy/sophisticated/classy vibe.
When you read the notes you can see this was ahead of its time and still relevant today.
It’s no surprise that this fragrance has won so many awards in its lifetime. If I found myself washed up on a desert island with only 5 fragrances for company, this would be one of them.
As for when to wear; Although the notes elude to autumn/winter, I wear this in any season and any time of day. In the spring/summer its more evening time.
Not super long lasting at 4+ hours, but this is an EDT. Don’t let that put you off as you can always endure you have a pocket spray to ‘top-up’ during the day/evening.
Summary:
This is an intoxicating and intriguing male fragrance. Compliments will simply flood in from this classic. Highly recommended
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Lemon
Mid Notes:
Star Anise, Olive Blossom, Guaiac Wood
Base Notes:
Leather, Tobacco, Tonka Bean
Season To Wear
Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Well blended scent for men
- Perfect everyday scent
- Does not last long
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis:
4 Tips To Keep The Compliments Coming
1. Use Fragrances That Are Known To Get Compliments
As obvious as this tip may seem, there are still plenty of guys gravitate to hideously overpowering fragrances that could act as an industrial-strength insect repellent. Why would you not invest in a number of the most complimented men’s fragrances? It’s a no-brainer.
If you are going fishing, would you bait the hook with your favourite snack? Of course not, you would consider what the fish would prefer. Fragrance is the same. If you want to attract attention for all the right reasons then you must consider those around you.
2. Choose A Longer Lasting Fragrance
Imagine you have invested in an attention-grabbing fragrance that reels in the compliments. Would you want to dilute it? Of course not, you want it to last as long as possible and keep all of its perfume notes. This is what the eau de toilette version is essentially doing.
Eau de Parfum (or if available pure parfum) is the best way to go in my humble opinion. Only in rare circumstances would I opt for the Eau de Toilette version as it can have less longevity, although the initial sillage can be greater.
Here is a quick breakdown of the different concentrations:
| Type | Concentration |
|---|---|
| Pure Parfum | 15 – 40% Perfume Oil |
| Eau De Parfum | 15 – 20% Perfume Oil |
| Eau De Toilette | 5 – 15% Perfume Oil |
| Cologne | 2 – 5% Perfume Oil |
3. Know where is Best to Apply Fragrance
If you are looking for maximum performance and impact of your chosen fragrance, then one spray to each of the pulse points on your wrists, neck, behind the ear are the best places.
At these vital points, your blood vessels lie closer to the surface of the skin that generates additional heat to help your scent evaporate and work its magic.
Additionally giving your cloths a quick spray is a great tip, just be careful about staining.
4. Don’t Forget To Re-apply
Over time, even the longest-lasting fragrance may need a top-up to reinvigorate the lighter notes in the blend that will have subsided. Although this will differ from fragrance to fragrance, re-applying every 5-6 hours will keep the scent alive without overpowering those around you.
Closing Thoughts
So there you have it, the 20 most complimented men’s fragrances. It is perhaps surprising that some of these perfumes have been around for a very long time, proving that a perfume doesn’t have to be brand new to deserve a compliment.
Any of these fragrances would make a perfume signature scent and a number of them are versatile enough to be worn both day and night, all year round.
Smelling great is not just about receiving compliments. It also has a multitude of additional benefits. Wearing fragrance can boost your confidence, increase your positivity, and supercharge overall well-being. And let’s not forget smelling great can make you feel more attractive internally. Your sense of smell is also linked with certain health benefits such as stress reduction and improved sleep.
Good Read: 10 Best Le Labo Scents For Men
To find if a fragrance is suited to you, wear it for at least an hour to see how it reacts with your skins chemicals. Fragrance can smell subtly different from person to person. A scent that smells great on a friend may smell different on you.
Finally, consider owning a number for different scents that you can use for different occasions, times-of-year, times of day, or reflect the mood you are in.
Good Read: 10 Fantastic Bond No.9 Fragrances
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, designer handbags, luxury accessories and more.
