Fragrance guide
A good cologne does not have to be expensive. Some of the most respected men’s fragrances ever made cost less than a dinner out, simply because they have been around for decades and are produced in huge numbers.
Every cologne on this list has a typical price of $60 or less for a standard bottle. They range from light, fresh splashes to dark, woody scents with real character.
How we picked. We took every men’s and unisex fragrance in our catalog with a typical price of $60 or less and ordered them by how long they last and how many occasions they cover. Prices are typical US retail prices and may differ at checkout.
Guy Laroche
$40 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Men · Fougère
Sharp lavender and herbs over dark moss and leather. The barbershop scent that defined the eighties and still works today.
Azzaro
$52 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Men · Fougère
Anise and lavender over a warm base of leather, moss and amber. A Mediterranean classic with charm and confidence.
Lalique
$35 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Men · Woody
Dark, earthy vetiver like ink on paper. A cult classic, introspective and surprisingly affordable.
Mäurer & Wirtz
$25 · 3.4 oz · Eau de Cologne · Men · Aromatic
Soapy aldehydes, lavender and a warm, powdery tobacco base. The smell of a traditional German barbershop in a white ceramic bottle.
Davidoff
$40 · 4.2 oz · EDT · Men · Aquatic
The father of modern aquatics. Mint and lavender over a sea of freshness, at an unbeatable price.
Burberry
$46 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Men · Woody
Violet leaf and white musk: soft, clean and discreet. An affordable classic of quiet elegance.
Old Spice
$15 · 4.2 oz · Eau de Cologne · Men · Amber
Warm clove, cinnamon and carnation with a powdery vanilla finish. The comforting scent of generations of fathers and grandfathers.
4711
$17 · 3.4 oz · Eau de Cologne · Unisex · Citrus
The original Eau de Cologne, from the city that named the genre. Citrus and rosemary in a fleeting, invigorating freshness.
Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.
Take the quizSome do. Longevity depends on the concentration and the notes more than on the price. Woody and spicy scents tend to last longer than light citrus ones at any price.
Light classics such as traditional eaux de cologne and barbershop-style scents are usually the cheapest. They are fresh and pleasant but fade faster, so expect to reapply.
They were launched decades ago, their development costs were paid long ago, and they are made in large volumes. Low price says little about how good they smell.
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