Everything matters just a little bit more on Valentine's Day. From the restaurant menu and choice of wine to the hotel suite and the fit, elements take on new meaning when we're planning the perfect evening for that person. That includes the way we smell, too. When it comes to the best men's fragrances, it's hard to pick the top. But our fragrances should match the mood, atmosphere, and look we want on a particular evening. It also has to represent our personality, of course.
The best men's fragrances take into consideration how certain fruits, plants, woods, and more respond to the environment you're heading into, as well as to the myriad social factors that make a bottle apt for a particular occasion (how long have you been seeing this person? What do they like and how do they like it? How well do you really know them? How many times will I reapply it? Is this the kind of cologne I want to wear when things get a little, well, hotter?).
Sometimes, it's for a casual summer date. Other times, it's for a cool evening dinner or for a formal meeting. We should also be discerning enough to pick out what's the best men's scents that should appeal to our actual date.
In any case, these are some of the best men's fragrances out there. Trust us, these bad boys are as foolproof as they come for a Valentine's Day night out.
Dolce & Gabbana The One
P5,195 | perfumes.com.ph and P6,497 (150 ml) | Zalora
We're starting off our date-night scents list with one of the most popular men's fragrances in the market. Dolce & Gabbana The One is ideal for those colder nights, they say. It has just the right amount of spice, with notes of grapefruit, coriander, and basil. It's fresh and has a masculine base of tobacco and amber for added warmth.
Versace Eros Eau de Parfum
P4,200 | rustans.com and P3,000 for EDT (30 ml) | LOOK
The Versace Eros Eau de Parfum is a date night staple. It was championed as one of the most popular men's fragrances for more passionate evenings. This bottle is bold and possesses hints of woody oriental freshness. It toys around with conventional ideas of masculinity by adding mint leaves, lemon zest, and green apple. Sensual is an understatement.
Armani Code Cologne
P7,695.12 | fragrancex.com
The Armani Code Cologne is great for a casual date night. It's not too overpowering and has good longevity to it. This is one of the most-recommended best men's fragrances out there because it projects a sensitivity and a certain cadence in a way, without taking away that masculine edge.
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Yves Saint Laurent L'homme Cologne
P5,593.22 | fragrancex.com and P4,574 (60 ml) | Zalora
The Yves Saint Laurent L'homme Cologne is a snug fit for just about any occasion. With moderate silage and bright citrus notes, it's a balanced scent that exudes elegance and freshness. Enthusiasts recommend this for dating because of its cedarwood note. Timeless is a way to describe its overall appeal, making this one of the best men's fragrances we can buy for Valentine's Day.
Tom Ford Ombre Leather Perfume
P12,959.00 | perfumestore.ph
Interestingly enough, the Tom Ford Ombre Leather Perfume takes its inspiration from the wily cowboy era. But don't let the ruggedness fool you. What makes this one of the most popular men's fragrances available is its floral scent, with notes of leather, violet, and Jasmine Sambac. It's made for "moderate" projection and that quiet cool.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Eau de Toilette
P6,450.00 | rustans.com and P6,900 (125 ml) | Zalora
The Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Eau de Toilette doesn't get enough credit for secretly becoming one of the most popular men's fragrances for big dates. It was introduced to us as the scent for "seductive sailor boys," but has gone on to become a must-have for more formal nights out. The freshness of the bergamot and its woody aroma make it quite the Valentine's Day attraction.
Azzaro Wanted EDT
P5,109.00 | perfumestore.ph and P6,790 (150 ml) | LOOK
Now we can't have a real discussion about the best men's scents on Valentine's Day without talking about the Azzaro Wanted EDT. We get hints of spicy citrus ginger, mint, fruity apple, and woody juniper all in one bottle. The amberwood fragrance just adds to the mystery. It's great if you guys are just starting off and are trying to get a little cozier with each other.
Note: Shipping costs and other additional fees are not factored in the computation.
