THERE'S nothing better than having a signature scent — so that if someone were to walk past a stranger and smell it, they'd immediately think of you.
After all, in the words of designer Tom Ford: 'Good manners and good cologne is what transforms the man into a gentleman.' That's why we've rounded up the best aftershave for men.
Men's perfume began to transform into its current iteration in the late 18th century when grooming at home became more common, and men needed to soothe post-shave skin.
Fast-forward to today and the world of men's fragrances is vast: there are aftershaves, eau de toilettes, perfumes and colognes, including endless combinations of smelling notes.
Whether you're panic buying dad a gift this Father's Day or you want to find a scent that you love for yourself, we've collated our favourite aftershaves below.
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Best Aftershaves At a Glance:
- Best overall aftershave for men: Moncler Pour Homme Eau De Parfum with LED Digital Screen
- Best strong-smelling aftershave: Dior Sauvage Parfum
- Best aftershave for sensitive skin: Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum
- Best aftershave for work: Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar
- Best aftershave for razor bumps: Aramis Classic Eau de Toilette Spray
Dior Sauvage Parfum
- Dior Sauvage Parfum 60ml, £96 from Boots - buy here
Dior Sauvage is a famous fragrance for a reason. With a heart of sandalwood, it still has a typically masculine musk, but mandarin and fruity bergamot add a softer, fuller quality than some more traditional-smelling colognes.
At under £100, it's not going to break the bank, and because it's highly concentrated, you'll only need a couple of pumps for a long-lasting scent.
One shopper commented: 'My favourite perfume, clear, strong and intense, lasts all day.'
Type: Spray Size 60ml
Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum
- Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum, 100ml, £150 from Selfridges - buy here
A best-seller on the male beauty scene, Tom Ford's Black Orchid Eau de Parfum is a strong, recognisable scent.
Packaged in a 1920s-inspired bottle, the hints of bergamot, black orchid, black plum, black truffle and patchouli make for a deep, lingering aroma.
Reviews say you only need a small amount for it to last all day long. Dreamy.
Type: Spray Size 100ml
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Hugo Boss BOSS Bottled After Shave
- Hugo Boss BOSS Bottled After Shave, 100ml,
£61£48 from Look Fantastic - buy here
Hugo Boss' BOSS is the perfect combination of fruity notes, spice and woody musk.
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At just over £60, this is a more affordable aftershave that lasts just as long as some of the pricier options, and Hugo Boss has worked with heartthrobs Ryan Reynolds, Gerard Butler and Chris Hemsworth on its campaigns.
Simply apply it to clean skin after a shave and let it work wonders, giving you a freshly shaven smell all day.
Type: Spray Size 100ml
Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme EDT
- Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme EDT, £84 for 125ml from Look Fantastic - buy here
If you're looking for a light summer scent that feels individual, then L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme EDT should be number one on your list.
First off, the bottle looks really chic, with a slim silver cap and a frosted body. The scent itself, like Dior Sauvage, is based on Sandalwood, but the nutty heart of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with the top note of sharp yuzu gives this a fresh tone.
Add to that the reasonable price of less than £100, and you're on to a summery winner.
Type: Spray Size 125ml
Versace Eros for Men Eau de Toilette
- Versace Eros for Men Eau de Toilette, from £51 from Look Fantastic - buy here
Add revitalising freshness to any man's skincare and beauty regime with this bestseller from Versace.
Inspired by the Greek god of love, Eros, this aftershave will have you falling in love with its at-first tangy and citrusy scent, followed by fresh, zesty apples and mint.
Then, a masculine sweetness takes over with hints of vanilla and tonka bean before ending on musky oakmoss and cedarwood. It's quite the journey and worth a sniff.
One reviewer added: 'This is absolutely beautiful. If your partner doesn't already own this, I suggest you get them it pronto!'
Type: Spray Size 30ml
Pasha De Cartier Noire EDT
- Pasha De Cartier Noire EDT, from £54.83 from Amazon - buy here
This take on the original Pasha De Cartier is brand new. The Noire edition is all about adding warmth and depth to the citrus flavours of its base, using amber and cedar to create a fuller fragrance.
It comes in a decadent bottle which would look good on any dressing table or bathroom shelf, and the option of three sizes (ranging from 50ml to 150ml) means you can even put it in your hand luggage without any issues.
One customer left a perfect five-star rating calling it their 'favourite fragrance' and noting that 'unfortunately it is not always easy to obtain on the high street', so make sure to grab yours from an online retailer while they're still in stock.
Type: Spray Size 100ml
Jo Malone Myrrh and Tonka Cologne
- Jo Malone Myrrh and Tonka Cologne, £106 for 100ml from John Lewis - buy here
The onyx-coloured bottle of Myrrh and Tonka by perfume stalwart Jo Malone matches its moody, smokey scent.
The woody notes of almond and tonka bean complement the sweetness of vanilla to create a warm, full-bodied fragrance.
It's a little bit pricier, but it's a unique cologne that smells as beautiful and chic as its packaging.
And shoppers absolutely love it with one saying, 'This is such an amazing smell but really gives me autumn and winter vibes. Will definitely purchase it then as the smell stays on forever.'
Type: Spray Size 50ml
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
- Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Acqua,
£100£90 for 50ml from Look Fantastic - buy here
Is this offering from Tom Ford expensive? Yes. Is it one of the best fragrances out there at the moment? Also yes. This one's got 'signature scent' written all over it — any whiff of this out and about and your friends will almost certainly think of you.
It's technically a unisex perfume, but the notes of lemon, orange flower, bergamot and mandarin give it a light, refreshing scent which isn't sweet, making it a perfect summery male fragrance.
Lavender adds a little bitterness to the fruity cologne, and Tom Ford describes it as reminding him of 'the endless skies overhead,' which is matched by the beautiful blue bottle.
A shopper wrote: 'I bought this as a treat for myself, it’s my favourite perfume the smell is gorgeous and summery, only a little spray is needed.'
Type: Spray Size 50ml
Chanel Bleu de Chanel
- Chanel Bleu de Chanel, 100ml, £136 from Harrods - buy here
Chanel's Bleu de Chanel fragrance is one of the brand's most famous beauty products.
Smoothly blending hints of sandalwood and jasmine with woody, spicy and pepper scents, this cologne is the perfect day-to-night companion.
The scent is as memorable as it is powerful, so spritz on a few pumps this date night for an extra hit of sexiness.
Type: Spray Size 100ml
Byredo De Los Santos EDP
- Byredo De Los Santos EDP, £140 from Harrods - buy here
Byredo is one of the chicest brands out there, offering candles, makeup an extensive range of delicious fragrances.
You may have heard of its peppery Gypsy Water from TikTok, and De Los Santos is just as well crafted.
A medium-intensity, aromatic scent, it combines sage, amber and iris root for a beautifully musky finish.
This fragrance is made using a vegan formula which is good news for any vegans who are looking for an accomplished new cologne. Plus, the bottle is the perfect minimalist addition to your bathroom shelf.
Type: Spray Size 50ml
Maison Francis Kurdjian Amyris Homme Extrait de Parfum
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Amyris Homme, £275 for 70ml from Selfridges - buy here
Before you're put off by this aftershave's admittedly very expensive price tag, hear us out.
Inspired by the unique energy of Paris, it's a warm, woody fragrance created by the eponymous Amyris. The perfume is named after spicy vanilla and amber.
This is a truly unique blend that you're unlikely to find on many other people, making it a great signature scent.
It's highly concentrated, so although it is pricey for 70ml, you'll only need a little, and the woody scent lasts, so there's no need to keep topping up.
Francis Kurkdjian is renowned as one of the world's most celebrated perfumers, so you're in good hands with this one. We love it.
Type: Spray Size 70ml
Floris Vert Fougère EDP
- Floris Vert Fougère EDP, £120 from Harrods - buy here
Floris is steeped in history. Opened in 1730 by Juan Famenias Floris on Jermyn Street, it is still run by the family today in the same shop.
The brand has had esteemed customers, including King George IV, Florence Nightingale, Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming, Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana, so you'll be in good company with a purchase from this perfumery.
Vert Fougère is a real blend. It begins with the bittersweet smell of grapefruit and bergamot before becoming sweeter with the introduction of neroli.
Ginger and lavender add freshness while base notes of amber and smoke ground the perfume.
This is a perfect everyday cologne because of its light, fresh quality.
Type: Spray Size 100ml
Hermès Bel Ami Vétiver EDT
- Hermès Bel Ami Vétiver EDT, £110 from Selfridges - buy here
Just like its famous silk scarves, this Eau de Toilette by Hermès is bold and beautiful. It has hints of leather and green vetiver to create a warm, slightly smokey scent.
It's a moderate fragrance that's long-lasting, and though it's pricier than others, it's a worthy investment.
It comes in a classically structured bottle (just like the brand's other perfumes) and looks like liquid gold.
This one's probably best for evening wear as it's a little richer than some of the other fresher scents on this list, but its smokiness feels mysterious and sultry. Perfect for date night.
Type: Spray Size 100ml
Creed Green Irish Tweed Eau de Parfum
- Creed Green Irish Tweed Eau de Parfum, 100ml, £265 from Liberty - buy here
Creed is the elite of men's colognes, with the Green Irish Tweed perfume famously worn by tonnes of stars, including George Clooney, Clint Eastwood, and Prince Charles.
Before you run for cover from the £245 price tag, it's worth noting that the brand still uses traditional, top-quality methods when it comes to producing its perfume.
So appreciate the hints of lemon, Indian verbena, sandalwood and violet leaves, and the sultry woody scent that lingers long after application.
It's possible you've already heard about this one, as it's Creed's best-selling fragrance.
Type: Spray Size 100ml
Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar
- Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar, from £75 from Cult Beauty - buy here
Jo Loves is Jo Malone CBE's second outing into the fragrance world after selling her original eponymous brand at the turn of the century.
Her fragrances are bold and punchy, and Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar is no different. A blend of grapefruit, patchouli, cedarwood and geranium, this is a bright scent with a sensuous undertone that feels summery and fresh.
It's vegan and cruelty-free and can now be used in pen form (seriously, it's the best way to top up on your fragrance throughout the day) with the brand's fragrance paintbrushes.
Type: Spray Size 100ml
Mont Blanc Montblanc Explorer Eau de Parfum
- Mont Blanc Montblanc Explorer Eau de Parfum, from £37 at House of Fraser - buy here
Men can be really difficult to buy, so being able to gift them a good fragrance at a reasonable price is a good solution.
From 30ml for £37 to £117 for 200ml, Mont Blanc's Explorer is a woody aromatic leather scent that's affordable but doesn't look or smell 'cheap'.
Looking for a Father's Day or Christmas gift? This is your best shot.
Type: Spray Size 30ml
Diesel Only The Brave
- Diesel Only The Brave, from £45.50 from The Perfume Shop - buy here
Released back in 2009, Diesel's Only The Brave fragrance has been going strong ever since because of its citrus and spicy scent.
The bottle isn't one you'll forget quickly, and it's hyper-masculine, so if that's what you're looking for, this is the cologne for you.
Plus, buy any size bottle right now from The Perfume Shop, and you'll receive a free Diesel Spirit Of The Brave Intense Weekend Bag – making it a great one to give as a gift.
Type: Spray Size 35ml
Giorgio Armani Black Code For Men Eau de Toilette
- Giorgio Armani Black Code For Men Eau de Toilette, £65 at The Perfume Store - buy here
Heartthrob actor and beloved Wrexham FC owner, Ryan Reynolds, has many strings to his bow, including being appointed as the face of this best-selling Giorgio Armani fragrance for men in 2019, which gives it celeb-backed kudos.
Combining citrus and woody notes, it's an elegantly sophisticated scent that's perfect as an everyday fragrance.
The sleek bottle also makes it a great gift idea for birthdays, Father's Day or anniversaries.
Type: Spray Size 500ml
Acqua Di Parma Colonia Discovery Set
- Acqua Di Parma Colonia Discovery Set, 12ml x3, £82 from Space NK - buy here
Can't decide which Acqua Di Parma scent to reach for and would rather have a little bit of a few? Then look no further than this Colonia Discovery Set, complete with three different scents to get your fragrance wardrobe started.
The miniature set includes 12ml bottles of Colonia, Colonia Ezzenza and Futura, which are all inspired by the fresh, revitalising nature of the Italian sun.
Colonia includes citrus notes as well as lavender and patchouli for a fruity fragrance; Essenza leans into the freshness of grapefruit and mandarin undercut by deeper, woody notes, while Futura is earthier, drawing on lemon, pink pepper, and sage for a spicier scent.
Type: Spray Size 12ml
Prada L'Homme Prada EDT
- Prada L'Homme Prada EDT, £65 from Harrods - buy here
This offering from Prada is a little less musky and a little more spicy than some of the others on this list.
It's a good one for wearing every day with its inclusion of black pepper, geranium and patchouli which together create an unmistakably masculine cologne.
Spray a little on your neck and the back of your wrists for the strongest and longest-lasting scent.
Type: Spray Size 50ml
Moncler Pour Homme Eau De Parfum
- Moncler Pour Homme Eau De Parfum, £76 from The Perfume Store - buy here
If you really want to feel flash, then this woody scent by Moncler is ready to add some pizazz to your aftershave collection: it features an LED digital scrolling screen on the front, which can even be personalised via an app.
Smell-wise, the inspiration is an alpine forest, so you'll discover notes of alpine green accord, along with Cedarwood and Mountain Woods Accord.
Type: Spray Size 150ml
Aramis Classic Eau de Toilette Spray
- Aramis Classic Eau de Toilette Spray, £72 from Boots - buy here
This Classic Eau de Toilette Spray by Aramis is currently selling like hot cakes over at Boots – and with deeply enticing notes of crisp citrus, jasmine absolute, oakmoss, patchouli, sage and leather, it's no wonder.
Known as 'the first prestige men's fragrance to be sold in department stores,' it's still going strong all these years later, whether worn by men who remember it from the first time around or those who are only just discovering it now.
Sometimes, you just can't beat a good classic.
Type: Spray Size 110ml
Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Night Vision Eau De Parfum
- Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Night Vision Eau De Parfum, £70 from Boots - buy here
Described as 'intense, seductive, and mysterious', Viktor & Rolf's Spicebomb is a must for anyone drawn to spicy scents with amber hints.
With base notes including patchouli, cedarwood and pistachio, the intensity is offset by zesty notes of grapefruit, green apple and lemon, which give this a really clean yet masculine smell.
Presented in a grenade bottle, one reviewer notes: 'The scent, as per its bottle design, goes off like a grenade...a powerful release of spices packed with a mysterious punch.'
Type: Spray Size 50ml
Paco Rabanne Phantom Eau de Toilette
- Paco Rabanne Phantom Eau de Toilette 50ml, £51.99 from The Perfume Shop - buy here
Made in France from ethically sourced ingredients, including organic lavender absolute, Italian lemon and Haitian vetiver, Phantom is ideal if you're after a fragrance that's a little fruity and sweet.
Complementing the zestier and more energising tones is an irresistible blend of creamy lavender and woody vanilla that makes this eau de toilette an instant hit. Plus, the robotic design in chrome, metal and black is super cool.
Type: Spray Size 50ml
Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum For Men
- Y Eau de Parfum For Men, from £72 from Yves Saint Laurent - buy here
Music icon Lenny Kravitz is the face of Yves Saint Laurent's Y fragrance, so you just know it's going to be a bit rock 'n' roll.
Described as a woody and aromatic scent, the base notes of wood, frankincense and warm tonka bean create an unmistakable smokiness, while floral notes like geranium absolute and the fresher scents of bergamot and ginger add lift and contrast.
'Powerful and sexy', says one reviewer, adding it's a 'very seductive fragrance'. We'll take that.
Type: Spray Size 60ml
Where to buy aftershaves for men in the UK
There are so many options out there when it comes to aftershaves all with a unique and distinct fragrance, so shopping around is definitely a must.
While it's a great idea to ensure you get a whiff of the cologne before you purchase it, if you have an idea of what notes you love then getting it from an online retailer is a great idea as some can be hard to come by in store.
Here's a short list to help search.
- The Perfume Store
- Selfridges
- Harrods
- Amazon
- Boots
How much do aftershave for men cost?
Good fragrances are usually on the costly side for the quantity you're getting. However, it's definitely worth noting that each aftershave does last a long time since you only need to spray a little bit on your wrist or neck.
For the smaller bottles, it'll cost around £50 but if you want a lot of a specific fragrance, around 100ml you're looking to spend upwards of £100 depending on the brand.
What is aftershave?
Aftershave originally referred to the scented ointment men would pat on after shaving to soothe their skin, but today, it basically refers to any male perfume.
If we're going to get technical, cologne or eau de toilette is specifically for smelling good, whereas when a product is labelled as aftershave, it is usually formulated to reduce any post-shave irritation.
Does aftershave go off?
Unexpectedly, aftershave can actually expire. You can tell if the colour changes or if it smells slightly different, while some perfumes actually note an expiry date.
Don't worry, though. It usually lasts about 10 years, and when an aftershave's good, your bottle definitely won't last that long.
How long does aftershave last?
You know you've found a great aftershave when it stays on for over six hours.
We love wearing a jacket days after spraying some Eau de Toilette to find it still smells delicious.
How to apply aftershave
People tend to put aftershave on their pulse points, from their wrists to their necks.
Around three sprays work best – you don't want to suffocate everyone you encounter, and you can always apply more to freshen up later.
What's the difference between aftershave and eau de toilette?
As we mentioned earlier, aftershave is traditionally the post-shaving ointment that looks after your vulnerable post-shaven skin whilst making it smell lovely in the process.
Eau de Toilette is specifically made for a longer-lasting aroma, so you should shop according to what you're trying to achieve.
What should I look for in a winter scent?
Winter is a chance to embrace richer and bolder scents compared to the light and fresh fragrances you'd traditionally associate with summer.
Look out for spicy or woody base notes: these are the strongest part of the fragrance that helps it last and are very evocative of cosier months.
Think cedar, sandalwood and patchouli for woody/earthy notes, and frankincense, saffron and cinnamon for the spicy and more eastern-inspired notes.
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