The best scents break through the cold
This time of year calls for a cologne that can stand up to bitter winds, long nights and lots of layers. There's something about the slide into cooler temps that lends itself to rich, enveloping fragrances—from fireplaces and mulled wine to the familiar aroma of a well-worn leather jacket. During the colder months, you should be reaching for something that can stand up to all the layers we have to wear. A rich scent that sits on the skin and develops throughout the day and still makes a statement to those in your wake. Spice things up—literally—with bottles that blend warm spices with a woody medley and a sweet kick of florals or citrus. And, if you want our advice (and I sure hope that you do), we'd say skip the cologne counter regulars from the big brands. Sure, they can be great. But they can also make you smell like everyone else. There are plenty of other brands and bottles to try. We spritzed on dozens to bring you the ones that really stand out. Scroll through this list to help you decide which one speaks to you.
What They Say
Unique, alluring, and mysterious. This intriguing scent begins with the freshness of elemi, balanced with complex floral notes blended with amber, roasted tonka and sandalwood.
What We Say
The lime is the unique and surprising star of this scent—punctuated with juniper and warm, smoky woods, it's like sipping a great gin and tonic by a roaring fireplace.
Fire eau de parfum, $125 by Elorea
What They Say
An emotive, olfactory experience that captures the euphoric sense of permanence, and self-awareness.
What We Say
With a subtle blend of cedar and sage leaves blended with resin and suede, this scent reminds us of a stylish woodworker who's just come from the barber. It's classically masculine, warm and spicy, but not overpowering.
Oaire eau de parfum, from $40 by Caswell-Massey
What They Say
Electric and earthy. Finally, the last rain of spring. Smells like nature—radiant and vibrating. Feels like lightning striking twice.
What We Say
It's rare to find a lighter, brighter scent that doesn't lean overly sweet. This smells clean, with a pop of spicy ginger and bitter citrus rind, but then develops into the warm aroma of dried cedar wood.
Fragrance 04, $90 by DedCool
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What They Say
A seductive and mysterious scent of heady florals blended in a balanced potion of black currant, sandalwood and smoldering frankincense.
What We Say
If you like sexy fragrances with a little bit of florals, this bouquet is balanced out with a deep, woody base. It's sweet yet peppery. Like a silk shirt under a leather jacket.
Voodoo Lily eau de parfum, $165 by Heretic
What They Say
A luminous ode to life ... a freshness that runs on the skin, leaving a desirable trace of amber and leather on the surface.
What We Say
Some green fragrances can feel too light, but this is substantial and layered. It smells more like a lemon grove—a mix of citrus blossoms and leaves—along with dried figs and clary sage. It's what an autumn drive through Tuscany smells like, at least in our mind.
VIXI cologne, from $52 by Trudon
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What They Say
A woody, spicy fragrance characterized by the elegance of lavender and the strength of musk, the sparkling character of red pepper and the exoticism of Ceylon cinnamon.
What We Say
You want to smell worldly? This is your ticket. It's a fragrance that evolves throughout the day, starting out with a kick of spicy woods, but then mellowing into a creamy musk with hints of dark florals like violets.
001 Man eau de toilette, $102 by Loewe
What They Say
Designed to impact your mood by utilizing scents that have been scientifically proven to help reduce stress, anxiety, create positivity and even help promote better sleep.
What We Say
This is a lighter scent, but it tends to hang on the body well, so you'll catch whiffs throughout the day. It blends a clean, citrusy scent with a warm, spicy undertone of burning incense.
Balance cologne, from $35 by Jack Henry
An industry term for the time it takes for a fragrance to react with your skin and for the heart of the scent to kick in. This is why a scent smells different on each person.
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