From Brands You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

A COLOGNE FOR LOVERS

I discovered Crystal Saffron in Milan at Corso Como 10 and was 50/50 on it to begin with, but after a few wears, I fell in love with it. I’ve had so many compliments which is always a bonus.

Another recommendation from Matiere Premiere is Parisian Musc, which also offers a fantastic fragrance experience. There’s even an Australian-inspired cologne too.

Matiere Premiere’s Crystal Saffron has a unique blend that has quickly become a favourite for evening wear. This juice stands out for its distinctive combination of saffron, ambroxan, and cypriol, creating a bold yet elegant aroma perfect for special occasions or date night.

Why do we love this cologne?

Crystal Saffron is perfect for nighttime, offering a rich and sophisticated scent without being overpowering. Long lasting too.

Top notes: Saffron
Heart notes: Ambroxan
Base notes: Cypriol

Price: AUD 295 for 100ml

BEST NIGHT TIME COLOGNE

I originally picked this up in New York on the Upper West Side and have since had it refilled in Bondi. I also recommend Rose, as it’s also a great cologne from Le Labo.

Le Labo first came to everyone’s attention in New York back in 2006, with the notion that there were too many bottles of perfume being produced without soul and character. Now a fully established luxury fragrance and cologne producer, they have a large selection of fantastic scents, including this one: The Noir 29.

Using black tea as a source of inspiration, it’s a herby, leafy scent with notes of bergamot for a truly beautiful and natural smell. It’s also presented in a range of sizes with a minimalist laboratory label that looks great alongside other bathroom essentials.

Why do we love this cologne?

I’ve always been fond of colognes that are more suited to the night time. Thé Noir is exactly that without being too overpowering or having too much oud in there.

Top notes: Fig, Bay Leaf, Bergamot
Heart notes: Cedar, Vetiver, Musk
Base notes: Tobacco, Hay

Price: $245 for 50ml

BEST EVERYDAY COLOGNE

I have been wearing this since the early 2000s when I wanted to smell good at work – yes, it’s been around that long and yet it smells as good today as it did back then.

What happens when two of the world’s most stylish cities collide through the creations of a self-taught master designer? COMME des GARÇONS, that’s what. Rei Kawakubo studied fine art instead of fashion in her native Tokyo before opening boutiques in swanky Parisian quartiers. Inspiration from both cities run through everything her label produces, like this delightful fragrance.

COMME des GARÇONS 2 is actually a unisex scent (a hugely popular concept today) although that doesn’t mean it still can’t be listed as one of the best colognes for men. It is said to be the brand’s ethos in fragrance form – which to you and me means it is complex – with hints of magnolia, mandarin and tea.

Why do we love this cologne?

Without a doubt the most ‘sporty’ cologne in my collection. It’s always reminded me of my youth and it’s something I rarely smell on anyone. A touch of sweetness but still unique enough to not smell like a boy.

Top notes: Aldehydes, Angelica, Tea, Mandarin Orange, Mate
Heart notes: Ink, Magnolia, Nutmeg, West Indian Bay, Coriander, Caraway, Cinnamon
Base notes: Incense, Patchouli, Cedar, Vetiver, Amber, Labdanum

Price: $145 for 50ml

BEST TOM FORD COLOGNE

I purchased this from Mr. Porter in 2019 and had it delivered to a friend in Europe before it was available in Australia. F-ing Fabulous is on the sweet side but works well as every perfume for men. Slightly sweet and fruity but so good, hence the name.

Pretty much everything celebrated designer Tom Ford touches turns to gold. He’s a modern leader in the world of fashion, design and even Hollywood movies which are as visually stunning as his garments. But it is this F***** Fabulous fragrance of his that we are going to wax lyrical about here, which is pretty much summed up by its no-nonsense name.

It’s a deep and sensual cologne for men that lasts, with nice oriental undercurrents. Mr. Ford has only gone and bloody done it again!

Why do we love this cologne?

Firstly the name but secondly it’s slightly sweet / fruity finish makes is a lovely Summertime cologne. Again, it’s incredibly unique and smells like nothing out there. Just a shame about the price.

Top notes: Clary Sage, Lavender
Heart notes: Bitter Almond, Leather, Vanilla, Orris
Base notes: Leather, Tonka Bean, Cashmeran, White Woods, Amber

Price: $335ml for 50ml

BEST WEIRD MEN’S COLOGNE

Now this one I don’t own but have smelt it many times at Mecca in Sydney. It’s not for everyone as it’s got an industrial vibe to it. Very communist Russia meets capitalism. Do recommend smelling it in person.

A monumental meeting of different cultures is responsible for producing this scent. We’ve already spoken about COMME des GARÇONS, but the collaborator for this eau de toilette is Gosha Rubchinskiy. This hyped Russian fashion designer takes inspiration from Russia’s streetwear and youth culture, as well as the dissolution of the USSR.

This unisex scent has been designed to reflect that, with notes of rubber and tar – meant to evoke the feeling of skateboarding – contrasted with fresh hints of mandarin and blue chamomile. This is certainly one of the best men’s colognes for casual weekend looks.

Why do we love this cologne?

It reminds me of communist Russia. Dirty and a little mechanical. Almost like you’ve been rolling on a factory floor but in a good way. It’s like a working man’s fragrance.

Top notes: Angelica, Buchu, Agathosma
Heart notes: Chamomile, Mandarin Orange
Base notes: Haitian Vetiver, Styrax, Patchouli

Price: $111 for 100ml

BEST CREED COLOGNE

Score a bottle of this on Strawberrynet years and years ago. Of all the santal fragrances on the market, I like this one. It’s distinctive and not too overpowering to wear every day. Plus, it’s Creed, which always do good smells for men.

Originally a tailoring house in London – with a history dating all the way back to 1760 – Creed is now a niche perfume house with boutiques in Paris, New York, Dubai and Milan. They source only the purest elements from around the world to make their fragrances and take a production approach that’s similar to producing fine wines.

One of their most sought-after perfumes is this Original Santal blend, which is inspired by Asia, and in particular, Royal Sandalwood trees. It’s a little pricey, but oh so worth it.

Why do we love this cologne?

One of my favourite santal colognes out there. So much better than Le Labo’s version which every chick wears. This is a great summer cologne for men and it’s been in my rotation for close to 5 years.

Top notes: Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Juniper Berries, Coriander
Heart notes: Lavender, Ginger, Rosemary, Petitgrain
Base notes: Vanilla, Tonka Bean

Price: $439 for 100ml

BEST DIOR COLOGNE

I’ve been wearing this since the early 2000s. Why? Because it’s timeless and every time someone smells it, they ask what it is. Unfortunately, Dior has reformulated it and it’s not that good anymore. It smells like every other rubbish mass-produced perfume. That said, if you want a good first fragrance, then I recommend this.

Christian Dior may not have been around long enough to truly witness the impact his self-titled brand would have on contemporary fashion, but if he is looking down, it will be with a proud smile. Dior is one of the biggest high-end luxury fashion houses in the world and the envy of countless others. Dior are also dab hands when it comes to making great colognes, such as this Dior Homme, with its masculine, rugged scent.

Dior Homme is an ode to what it means to be a modern man, and is a cult favourite. The older formulation of this fragrance is the one to get, if you can find it.

Why do we love this cologne?

Because it’s affordable, smells great and I’ve never had a female say they didn’t like it. Just a shame they changed the formula. Dior Homme is also highly rated as a Winter cologne.

Top notes: Mandarin Orange, Neroli, Bergamot, Lavender, Cardamom, Sage
Heart notes: Iris
Base notes: Vetiver, Cacao, Leather, Amber, Patchouli

Price: $118 for 50ml

BEST ORIENTAL COLOGNE

Scooped this at Dubai Airport nearly 8 years ago. Jo Malone makes great unisex fragrances that skew toward the male side. Velvet Rose & Oud is the perfect nighttime fragrance thanks to the touch of Oud in there.

Joanne Lesley Malone’s story, from a dyslexic early school leaver who cared for her sick mother, to one of the most successful fragrance producers on the planet is well documented. Although probably better known for scented candles, this Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne shows that her company is highly skilled in bringing the right notes together regardless of the end product.

This rich fragrance has a sandalwood base, which mixes together notes of Indonesian cloves and praline to form something that genuinely dazzles the nose.

Why do we love this cologne?

It’s going back to a nighttime feel. It’s also unisex which makes it not too hectic on the nose.

Top notes: Cloves
Heart notes: Damask Rose
Base notes: Praline, Oud

Price: $315 for 100ml

BEST CITRUS COLOGNE

Purchased this in the early 2000s as a daily driver. It’s very citrusy which isn’t for everyone but it’s been on the market for so long there’s got to be a reason why. Do like this as a first-timer perfume or a gifting perfume for men.

Hermès has been the final word in luxury, whether it be leather accessories, home furnishings or delightful perfumes and fragrances, since 1837. Their Terre D’Hermès cologne takes inspiration from the land and the great outdoors. It’s a warm yet dense scent with hints of benzoin and shiso.

The fragrance itself sits in a wonderfully crafted glass bottle that can be refilled and is inspired by contemporary architecture. For such a renowned label and high-end product, the price is lower than you’d expect for an added bonus.

Why do we love this cologne?

Because it’s one of the only citrus colognes on the market that doesn’t smell like s***. Citrus is so overpowering and reminds me of dishwashing liquid. Hermès have managed to avoid this. Bravo.

Top notes: Orange, Grapefruit
Heart notes: Flint
Base notes: Woodsy Notes, Oak Moss, Benzoin

Price: $135 for 100ml

OVERALL BEST OF THE BEST COLOGNE FOR MEN

If you only buy one men’s cologne for the rest of your life, then consider Eight & Bob. I’ve been wearing this for years now and love its Summer freshness. It’s quite possibly the best everyday cologne you can find on the market. The only downside is the price. Not a cheap cologne.

Albert Fouquet, the creator and brains behind Eight & Bob, was the son of a Parisian aristocrat. When a chance meeting with a certain John. F. Kennedy took place in south-east France, the future US president was so blown away by his cologne that he begged the Frenchmen for a sample of his unique scent.

The base ingredients used by Eight & Bob are a closely guarded secret, such as those used to produce this EDP for men. What we do know is that Andrea is used, an incredibly rare plant that grows at altitude in Chile, and can only be farmed over a two-month period each year. So, if it’s exclusivity you want from a men’s cologne, this is one of the best examples around.

Why do we love this cologne?

The perfect Summer cologne. Once you smell it, you will know what I mean and why I’m on my third bottle.

Top Notes: Ginger, Cardamom, Lemon, Bergamot
Heart Notes: Cedar Wood, Nuts, Essencia Cistus, Guaiacum Wood
Base notes: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Ambergris, Vanilla

Editor’s note: I wear this one most days to work.

Price: $350 for 100ml

BEST STRONG COLOGNE

Now this one I picked up in Amsterdam way back in 2014. Managed to find it in some cool menswear boutique and instantly fell in love with it. It’s a big smell that doesn’t require a lot, but it has great staying power and is very memorable. It’s hard to find in Australia, so I recommend looking for it when you travel.

Whether you’re talking about the creative culinary genius of El Bulli or the exceptional football played by the city’s famous football club, Barcelona and creative flair seemingly go hand in hand. Carner set up a shop in the city in 2009 with the aim of creating scents that provoke emotions, experiences and the image of landscapes.

Their Cuirs unisex fragrance is the liquified proof of their manifesto, a leather fragrance with hints of guaiac wood and violet, a symbolic message from the Mediterranean shores of Barcelona.

Why do we love this cologne?

A big big smell. There’s something to Cuirs that packs a punch and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re looking for a strong cologne, then this is for you.

Top notes: Saffron, Caraway
Heart notes: Sandalwood, Guaiac Wood, Patchouli, Virginia Cedar, Violet
Base notes: Oud, Leather, Tonka Bean, French labdanum, Musk, Amber, Cypriol Oil (Nagarmotha), Amyris

Price: $179 for 100ml

BEST CLASSIC COLOGNE

My father wore this and it will always remind me of him. It’s very old school but does have an old-world charm which we invite you to explore. Very fresh on the nose.

Only a formidable scent could make a brand have two colognes on this list, but we wouldn’t be doing you guys justice if we didn’t mention Dior’s Eau Sauvage. It’s incredible to think that this fragrance first appeared all the way back in 1966 and was Dior’s first ever for men, created by French master perfumer Edmond Roudnitska.

To advertise the release of the perfume, Dior enlisted the skills of French actor Alain Delon, which in a way started a whole genre of perfume ads that still confuse the hell out of us today! Johnny Depp is their current spruiker. So, if it’s timeless character and originality you’re after, Eau Savage is the cologne for you.

Why do we love this cologne?

It’s so f*cking old school you can’t help but love it.

Top notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Basil, Rosemary, Caraway, Fruity Notes
Heart notes: Jasmine, Coriander, Patchouli, Carnation, Orris Root, Sandalwood, Rose
Base notes: Oak Moss, Vetiver, Musk, Amber

Price: $112 for 100ml