If you like camping… go woodsy
Sandalwood and cedar are cologne mainstays, but they can often leave you smelling like a smokehouse. Try Tom Ford Ébène Fumé ($365), a well-balanced scent that builds its base from palo santo – a lighter wood that brings a little smoke and a whole lot of mystery. SHOP NOW
Less woodsy: Gucci Guilty Parfum pour Homme ($175) SHOP NOW
More woodsy: Ermenegildo Zegna Javanese Patchouli ($305) SHOP NOW
If you like travelling… go spicy
Warm, spicy colognes are the olfactory equivalent of the open road – primed with potential. Acqua di Parma Oud & Spice ($376) is about as adventurous as it gets: deep, musky oud mixed with cinnamon and clove. SHOP NOW
Less spicy: Byredo Mumbai Noise ($345) SHOP NOW
Spicy and woodsy: Burberry Hero ($150) SHOP NOW
If you like gardening… go floral
Scents from this style often layer lavender, narcissus and rose atop earthier wood and musk. Scotch Porter the Porter House ($70) mixes sweet vanilla orchid and violet leaf with fresh greens and warm spices. It’s like a cologne greatest-hits collection. SHOP NOW
More Earthy: Czech & Speake No. 88 Cologne Spray ($285) SHOP NOW
More floral: Naomi Goodsir Iris Cendre EDP Spray ($275) SHOP NOW
If you like the beach… go aquatic
This category smells like salt water (in a good way). Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue ($145) is a great example: the cologne carries a subtle shoreline scent that lasts but never overpowers. It’s refreshing. SHOP NOW
Less beachy: Prada Luna Rossa Ocean ($108) SHOP NOW
More balanced: Ralph Lauren Polo Deep Blue ($143) SHOP NOW
If you like cocktails… go fresh
In fragrance-speak, “fresh” means citrus, like bergamot and lemon, or herbs, like vetiver; both lend a light, natural vibe to cologne. Versace Eros Parfum ($89) is as refreshing as a mojito and contains blasts of sage and tart lemon. SHOP NOW
Less citrusy: Dior Homme Sport ($150) SHOP NOW
More herbal: Cartier Déclaration Haute Frachîeur ($150) SHOP NOW
