Choosing a signature scent is a highly personal decision that depends on many factors, including your mood, the season of the year, and your overall personality. But let's be honest, an important consideration—at least for those in relationships—is whether your partner actually enjoys the scent. Whatever your gender, you want the other person to find the scent irresistible.
When it comes to colognes that are targeted specifically to men, the search for the perfect blend gets even harder. We've all smelled extra-strong colognes that were rather nauseating in large doses. Whether you're shopping for yourself or getting a gift for your loved one, it's important to find a scent you both will enjoy—and one that attracts, rather than deters. To help, we reached out to editors for favorite, tried-and-true colognes that their partners wear. From the light, woody notes of Givenchy Gentleman to warm and spicy blends like Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men, our team can't get enough of these scents—and neither will you.
Givenchy Gentleman Eau de Toilette
"I love that this scent is actually very light," said Chloe Anello, Senior Commerce Editor. "Technically, it's a woodsy scent, but it doesn't smell overly masculine or musky, as a lot of men's fragrances can. The pear and lavender come through, which I think is really pleasant."
Price at the time of publish: $108
Chanel BLEU DE CHANEL All-over Spray
"This one smells irresistible to me, truthfully," said Anello. "Every time he puts it on, I just want to sit right next to him because I can't get enough of it." The earthy, woody scent smells great every season, too. Another bonus: It's perfect for travel. "My fiancé is always worried about breaking a bottle, so he never traveled with cologne," said Anello. "I got him this, and it's nearly indestructible when tossed in a suitcase. I have the same spray but in No. 5! We're bringing them both on our honeymoon."
Price at the time of publish: $90
Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense
"I picture a cozy cigar lounge every time I get a whiff of this. It works really well if you layer it with other fragrances, too, making it customizable," says Caitlyn Martyn, Commerce Writer. "It's also unisex, so although I gave it to my boyfriend for his birthday last year (and love the way it smells on him), I steal it from time to time."
Price at the time of publish: $160
Le Labo Santal 33 Cologne
"I've been wearing this scent myself for years, and then someone I was dating wanted to wear it too," said Senior Commerce Editor Jill DiDonato. "I loved how it smelled on him—unexpectedly different than how it smelled on me. It's a spicy take on sandalwood, with woodsy notes that are just intoxicating."
Price at the time of publish: $230
Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men Eau de Parfum
"My boyfriend wears this cologne every day, and I love the warm and spicy scent that it gives off. It features deep notes like amber and cedarwood, as well as citrusy scents like orange blossom, that make it ideal for any season," said Commerce Writer Chloe Caldwell. "Some colognes can be a bit overpowering, but I find this one to offer just the right amount of fragrance."
Price at the time of publish: $103
Why Trust Brides
Emily Cieslak is an Assistant Commerce Editor, covering mainly beauty and fashion topics and trends. For this article, she surveyed the Beauty & Style group at Dotdash Meredith to about their favorite scents their partners wear.