Alluring: 13 Best Men’s Colognes for Spring & Summer Attraction

You’ve stored away the winter boots and jackets, swapped your heavier knits for lighter materials and are finally ready for the warm weather. But, have you ever thought about updating your cologne? Just like switching out your old fashioned for a cold beer, every man should consider updating their fragrance game to something better suited for the warmer temperatures.

Colder weather means wearing more layers, so having a more intense long lasting scent is a better option. Notes like vanilla, sandalwood and chocolate work nicely to complement your wool coat and gloves. In the summer, heat plays a big factor in how a scent works on the skin. Heat and sweat not only affects the scent itself but can also make it evaporate quickly. In this case, notes of citrus, and generally lighter scents are a better pairing for shorter sleeves and bare skin.

The truth of the matter is, the right scent is the perfect accent to your look, giving you that extra boost of confidence you need to walk out the door and take on the challenges of the day. We know that shopping for a new spring scent can be quite the challenge, with the ever-growing selections on the market. So we’ve made your life a little easier with our Editor’s #SwagWorthy Men’s Cologne Picks for Spring & Summer Attraction. I mean who doesn’t want to be alluring, right?? No matter if you are the guy who spends most his day at a desk, or if you prefer the outdoors, we have the scent for you.

MAISON MARGIELA Sailing Day

What else would the man who spends most of his time near the water want to wear but a scent inspired by the ocean. Sailing Day Eau de Toilette will transport you into the middle of the deep blue with fragrance notes of Juniper, Iris and Red Seaweed.

Available at Nordstrom.com.

TOM FORD – Mandarino di Amalfi

If a scent could capture the magic, calmness and idyllic backdrop of the Amalfi coast this would be the one. It’s hard not to mistake the notes of this scent with a summer cocktail with ingredients like Jasmine, Orange, Blossom, Grapefruit, Mint and Thyme. No matter what trip you’re headed on, this scent is perfect for sightseeing and lounging on the beach.

Available at Nordstrom.com, or HarryRosen.com.

YVES SAINT LAURENT Y

Y Eau de Toilette is a throwback to the iconic Yves Saint Laurent white t-shirt and black jacket. It’s a balance between fresh and strong. Notes of Bergamot, Sage and Ginger provide a crisp layer to the softer notes of Balsam Fir, Cedarwood and Marine Ambergris. Chic and simple all at the same time. If you appreciate a good brunch and letting the day take you where it may, this one is a must have in your collection.

Available at NeimanMarcus.com or theBay.com.

PRADA L’Homme

Fresh and floral yet sensual all at same time. Prada’s L’eau strikes the perfect balance for the warmer temperatures with the mingling of Amber, Iris and Ginger creating a freshness to the scent and the subtle pull of Sandalwood creating warmth. If you’re not shy about getting into downward dog, this scent will keep you inspired through any class.

Available at Nordstrom.com or theBay.com.

LE LABO An0ther 13

This scent is a collaborative effort between AnOther Magazine and Le Labo. It’s an Eau de Parfum made of Ambroxan (a synthetic animal musk) which is blended with 12 other ingredients including Jasmine, Moss and Ambrette seed solution. Plan to have this scent on hand if you want to spend your summer days on hiking trails and summer nights on a patio.

Available at Nordstrom.com or LeLaboFragrances.com.

CREED Original Vetiver

CREED Original Vetiver has amplified its traditional vetiver scent. This new version uses all three parts of the vetiver plant – the earthy root, the verdant leaves and the rich heart. The combination of these parts culminates into a fresh scent with notes of Bergamot, Orange, Mandarin and Sandalwood. If you find yourself spending the day on the beach or on the water, don’t leave home without this one in your bag.

Available at HarryRosen.com or HoltRenfrew.com.

CARTIER L’Envol

The bottle design alone is reason enough to add this Eau de Parfum to your collection. Notes of Caribbean guaiac wood are enhanced with touches of honey and musk. Perfect for every day wear spending summer days at the office.

Available at theBay.com or NeimanMarcus.com.

HERMÈS Terre d Hermes Eau Tres Fraiche

The name of this scent says it all. Meant for the man who spends most his time in the great outdoors, it brings out notes of earth and wood layered with a mineral base. Jean-Claude Ellena, retired French parfumeur described it as “Feeling the earth, lying on the ground, gazing at the sky.”

Available at Hermes.com.

MUGLER Les Exceptions Hot Cologne

This is the newest addition to the MUGLER Les Exceptions Collection. What makes this scent unique is how they have reinvented the traditional citrus based structure of Cologne and created a more warm-cool composition. It’s a new twist on a classic scent with notes of Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin and Coffee. Great for the family man who’s looking to stir things up.

Available at theBay.com or MuglerUSA.com.

VALENTINO Uomo Noir Absolu

This Valentino fragrance is a unique blend between the East and West. They have combined a woody oriental fragrance with the Italian elegance of Iris. For the man who can’t keep his nose out of a book or out of a library, the hints of Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Pepper and a hint of Incense creates a beautiful symmetry between richness and grace.

Available at Nordstrom.com.

YVES SAINT LAURENT Velours

Velours is actually a unisex perfume that was introduced to Yves Saint Laurent’s line up in 2016. The deeper notes of Wood and Amber are complemented by the softer and sweeter tones of Vanilla. Like the name suggests, this scent is meant to drape you in velvety mystery. The man who finds himself indulging in a rich cocktail at a hidden bar is surely to be wearing this fragrance.

Available at NeimanMarcus.com and theBay.com.

JO MALONE Orris & Sandalwood

Another unisex scent, this Jo Malone scent presents a duality with the combination of Orris and Sandalwood. Orris is the root of the Iris flower which brings a woody intensity to this scent while sandalwood and amber create a softness. Don’t leave on a first date without a few selectively placed spritzes.

Available at Nordstrom.com.

VIKTOR & ROLF Spicebomb

Fashioned after the look of a grenade, the design of the bottle speaks volumes, especially since the scent is released by priming the pin. An undeniably masculine scent with the encounter of spices like Chili and Saffron with the roundness of Leather, Tobacco and Vetiver. A truly powerful scent, this one is for the man who exudes confidence without even saying a word.

Available at Nordstrom.com or theBay.com.

No matter which Cologne you ultimately decide on, how it works with your own individual body chemistry is super important. This can not only affect how the scent sit on your skin but the ultimate fragrance it gives off. Make sure to ask for a sample and test it out on your skin before making the splurge. Figure out what notes you also tend to gravitate towards which will help make the selection easier. Interested in the value of buying a bigger bottle but concerned about travel restraints? Don’t. Most brands now offer atomizers, like TOM FORD and many others available from retailers like Nordstrom, or even Amazon, where you can create a travel size to take with you on the go.

Credits:

Photographer: Joseph Saraceno, Judy Inc.
Off-Figure Stylist, Creative Director & Stills Producer: Wilson Wong, P1M
Executive Producer & Editorial Director: Steven Branco, Swagger

Styling Credits:

Marble Stone, CAESARSTONE
Pivot Shelf No.4, HAY

This Editorial received the 10th Annual, 2018 P&G Beauty Awards, Best Beauty Still Life Award.