Best tried and tested fragrances for men that'll set you ahead in the bedroom and boardroom (2025)

What’s the difference between an aftershave, eau de toilette and eau de parfum for men?

Most people use the terms interchangeably, but aftershaves, eau de parfums, men's cologne and eau de toilettes are all different kinds of fragrance. Aftershaves, for example, actually contain less perfume oil in favour of more soothing post-shave ingredients such as aloe vera. They're ideal for sensitive, razored skin and designed to work well with your moisturiser. Since they have a lower oil level (of around one to four per cent), you should expect the best aftershaves to last around three hours.

Eau de toilettes, while containing more perfume oil (around four to eight per cent), still won't last you the whole day. You can expect an eau de toilette spray to linger for around six to eight hours — just don't use it on your skin after a shave as it'll irritate the newly opened pores.

If it's day-to-night scent you're seeking, it's an eau de parfum you want. Infused with eight to 15 per cent perfume oil, they're the fragrances you can smell as someone walks past you on the Tube platform. They're the most effective in terms of both long-lasting scent and — speaking anecdotally — sensual success.

Jo Malone London Hinoki & Cedarwood tested by Senior Commerce Editor, Robert Leedham

Dior Sauvage Elixer tested by Senior Commerce Editor, Robert Leedham

What are the top ten men's fragrances?

There's no way of seeing exactly which fragrance UK men wear the most, but we think most of you would agree that some of the following are top contenders: Dior Sauvage, Bleu de Chanel, Creed Aventus, Tom Ford Noir, Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani, Paco Rabanne 1 Million, and Hugo Boss Bottled. While not all of these formulations have made it onto our personal favourites list, all of them are unique, long-lasting and worth your money if they're your favourite. To us, though, the top ten men's fragrances are the first ten we've listed below: our grooming expert Adrian Clark has spent decades analysing and testing hundreds of fragrances, and we think his picks are the best available on the market.

Prada Luna Rossa Ocean tested by Senior Commerce Editor, Robert Leedham

Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit tested by Senior Commerce Editor, Robert Leedham

What is the most popular fragrance in the UK?

Dior Sauvage is widely considered to be the most popular of fragrances among UK men owing to its versatile fresh, spicy and woody notes. We think British men have great taste: the scent (in its new Elixir format) features on this list too.

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