When it comes to pricey fragrances, guys have plenty of choices.
But most of us know there is a lot more to the process than just picking out the most expensive colognes. With a variety of aromas for endless occasions, men who like cologne generally have a wide selection. And anyone who has tried multiple brands knows that the longest lasting, most pleasant aromas are costly. Rarely do you find a cheap fragrance that will stick with you and attract the right kind of attention.
Just spending a fortune, however, does not ensure you will find the right fragrance. Determining what works best with your body chemistry and personal tastes is vital. And if you have a special someone, it probably wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion. We'll walk you through how to choose from the most expensive colognes and make a few recommendations on our favorites.
A Bit About Cologne
If you want to smell good, you need a foundation upon which to build. Before we start counting down the most expensive colognes you might want to consider, let's step back. If you haven't yet embraced the cologne lifestyle lately, we thought a refresher course might be in order.
What is cologne?
Just as ladies have sought pleasing fragrances for centuries, men have similar desires. Guys wear cologne to please themselves, others, or simply for a change of paces. But there is a reason what they wear is called cologne and not perfume. As it turns out, these are more precise terms than many consumers realize.
Eau de Cologne is actually the oldest existing term for perfumes. As its name implies, the particular fragrance originated in Cologne, France. And across North America and much of the West, it is primarily used to reference men's fragrances. But in reality it is a description of the level of perfume oils present in the mixture of alcohol and water.
There are several levels, with cologne near the bottom. That is why the fragrance usually only sticks around for a couple of hours. By comparison, more potent scents can last all day. Cologne is identified by a fruity and fresh fragrance rather than floral. It is most popular among younger generations.
Cologne usually contains between 2 and 4 percent perfume oils. That is only higher than the most diluted fragrance, eau Fraiche, which can dissipate in less than an hour. For comparison, perfume can contain up to 30 percent fragrant essence. These scents can linger for more than 24 hours.
What makes some fragrances stand out among the most expensive colognes?
There are a lot of reasons certain scents remain favorites among men year after year. Other fragrances seem dated after a few years. In fact, there are some general fragrance fads many of us can probably remember. But the truly timeless options, however, are rare. And when a manufacturer realizes it has captured such a scent, it can charge what we're willing to pay.
Of course, there are some companies that charge more based on their name. And sometimes this is warranted. You might just find a scent better suited to your tastes by shopping around. Brand loyalty plays a major role in the process for a lot of guys, and we acknowledge that. But when you're talking about how you smell, that is a heck of a first impression. And we believe it's better to let your scent speak for itself. So regardless of the company, give a few different scents a shot. Pick the one that makes you want to keep sniffing. Chances are, those around you will agree.
Who is it for?
We believe that under the right circumstances, cologne can be for every guy. Of course, we know that plenty of men opt for the natural approach and that is completely understandable. But having a bottle on hand just in case can really give your night an interesting twist. Sometimes guys just want a little extra attention. And there are fewer ways to draw a wandering eye without making a move or saying a word.
Presenting a light, refreshing waft of fragrance into a prospective boss' office could set an interview off right. And the right scent can help you make a crucial first impression in more personal encounters, too. Whether a first date or a singles bar, a unique, pleasing aroma can make a lasting impact.
On the other hand, there's nothing wrong with spritzing on one of your favorites on a daily basis. If you like the way it smells and it makes you feel better about yourself, wear it with pride. Our only advice is to always keep the fragrance to an inoffensive level. With a true cologne, that is easy to do given the understated scent from the diluted mixture. And any of the most expensive colognes on our list will provide the right amount of enhancement.
Why should you wear it?
Is cologne for you? Well, as the old adage goes: There's only one way to find out. Many guys had their first encounter with cologne around the time they started dating. The thought of impressing others with a scent is a fascinating concept, after all. We usually figured out pretty quickly it wasn't as easy as picking up a bottle from the drug store. Some fragrance companies are satisfied making overpowering sprays that adolescents find appealing. But when guys get to a certain age and level of maturity, those scents usually no longer cut it. That's when we start looking into the most expensive colognes on the market.
And what we find is a pretty consistent pattern. A man who wears cologne in his 40s is probably picking a different scent than he did in his teens. That's because tastes mature as we do. As we accumulate more wealth and culture, we want our scent to keep up. Some guys keep a couple of their favorite bottles on hand for a special occasion. Others prefer to spray on some scent before they leave the house every day. Wherever you find yourself on that scale, you understand what it does for you.
If you are still on the fence, though, let us give you a few of our favorite reasons to wear cologne. The right scent can not only improve your mood, it can cheer up those around you. Whatever environment you are trying to create, fragrance will play a major role. And if you are able to control that scent by wearing it, you can maintain a certain air of confidence. All the while, you can be sure that that air is pleasantly scented with the cologne of your choosing.
Choose the right fragrance for you from the most expensive colognes available.
Once you decide which scents suit your style the best, then the fun begins. You can start shopping for some of the most expensive colognes and discover new options. We've picked a few at the high end of the spectrum to give you an idea of what is out there. But you will probably want to use this guide as a launching pad to finding your new favorite.
1. Acqua di Parma
Acqua di Parma is among the rare breed of colognes to remain timelessly popular for generations. The original fragrance dates back more than a century. A small perfume maker created what at the time was the only truly Italian eau de Cologne in the world. From there, the scent has remained a classic option for guys around the world.
It is known for a refined and alluring, yet understated aroma. In fact, it was particularly light compared to its contemporaries. That is primarily what set it apart back in 1916. The fresh and light bouquet was much more airy than what most perfumers had to offer. That has allowed it to age gracefully and continue to command a premium in the market. It deserves its spot among the most expensive colognes if for no other reason than its timelessness.
2. Hermes Eau de Pamplemousse Rose
Of course, you probably know Hermes just screams luxury and opulence. So it might not be all that surprising to see the brand show up on a list of the most expensive colognes. But the Eau de pamplemousse rose fragrance goes far beyond just living up to the designer name.
First of all, it is a unisex fragrance. While it is technically an eau de Cologne, women might find it a bit more appealing than most. The light, fruity aroma is refreshing no matter who you are. Among the overarching notes of this complex aroma are hints of grapefruit. There are slight floral notes in the accent of rose petals. And a grassy undertone sets the stage for a fully developed fragrance.
3. Penhaligon's Endymion
Endymion is a relatively new fragrance to the historically significant Penhaligon's brand. But we think it will go on to become a timeless classic. It is substantially more brooding than the light fragrance described above. This is perfectly matched for adventurous evenings out. You might just find fantasize about the life of James Bond when you get this velvety scent on you.
If you like this one, the firm also makes a companion fragrance. Its aromatic partner is called Artemisia. And the name comes from ancient mythology referring to either a king or an irresistible hunter. You might feel like either -- or both -- if you invest in this fragrance. Some of the earthy fragrances are easy to discern. You can smell leather, spices and citrus fruits in the first encounter. Then, hints of coffee, lavender, mandarin and sage enter the picture. Finally, sweet tones wrap this fragrance up in near perfection. If you are feeling seductive, adventurous or a combination thereof, this could be the aroma for you.
4. Brooks Brothers 1818
We think Brooks Brothers has always exhibited the timelessly classic definition of masculinity. Expertly tailored and stitched suits and accessories are one thing, but cologne is another. It is with great pleasure we can confirm the 1818 cologne can stand alongside any of this company's brilliant work.
Though it has perhaps a bit more of a floral nose than some other colognes, it is perfectly balanced. The notes of wood and leather combine to mute any underlying flowery aromas. And the mixture serves to provide a well rounded fragrance that could suit any situation. If you are looking for a bit of musk without turning anyone off, the Brooks Brothers 1818 cologne might be for you.
5. Paco Rabanne 1 Million Cologne
This might be one of the most expensive colognes, but thankfully its name does not reflect its price. You can tell from the packaging that this is not a timid fragrance. But one whiff reveals exactly how fierce the aroma is. It is not overpowering when worn in the correct amount. You will, however, make your presence known with this scent on.
There are several refreshing citrus notes, particularly that of grapefruit. Then mandarin and mint finish off the fruity fragrance. Stick around long enough and enjoy some sweet and spicy fragrances as cinnamon combines with rose. Then masculine aromas finish the complex aroma off perfectly. It is easy to distinguish between leather, wood and even a hint of patchouli. An impressive combination of refinement and adventure, we think this is an impressive cologne.
6. Canali Cologne for Men
We finish our list of the most expensive colognes with this intriguing fragrance. First released in 2005, Canali Men builds on a long tradition of great perfumes. This particular blend is heavy on musk. The emphasis is on floral and woodsy scents. But there are complex undertones that provide a balanced and substantial aroma.
Lots of fruity notes make their way into the mix. Find hints of pineapple, orange, mandarin, nutmeg, apple and others. Then the fragrance is completed with several other vital notes. Leather, sandalwood and cedar combine with floral notes for a memorable fragrance.
Pick up one of the most expensive colognes and expect to turn some heads.
Few features are as noticeable as scent. And the right one on a man can really set the mood off right. If you are looking to expand your cologne game, we hope our list has been some help.
Please share it with the fashion focused men in your life. And let us know what your favorite cologne is in the comments section below.
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