There's nothing wrong with having a go-to cologne. But there's something to be said for switching things up, especially at the turn of a new season when you're ready for a fresh start. And if you're looking for a new scent, here's some rather obvious advice: try something that no one else is wearing. If you want to stand apart from the pack in the best possible way, then you'll require a unique scent—something subtle that wafts through the air and makes the person next you say "you smell great." After all, isn't that one of the all-time great compliments to receive?
The key to finding a unique fragrance is to stay clear of the standard cologne counter at major department stores. They're stocked with the usual fare from big fashion houses and remakes of the same cologne many of us have been wearing since high school. It's time to invest in a quality bottle from independent makers and dedicated fragrance houses that are creating unique and compelling colognes. The kind that linger on your skin and develop over the course of the day. We've scoured the landscape for the best bottles to try right now. To help you understand how they smell, we've paired their official descriptions with our thoughts after wear-testing each one.
Our Picks
English Oak & Hazelnut
English Oak & Hazelnut
They
Say
“An enchanted walk. The earthy woodiness of vetiver cooled by emerald moss carpets.”
We
Say
You definitely get smoky wood but without it feeling heavy. There's a green, floral freshness mixed with spices which lightens everything up nicely.
From $65 by Jo Malone London
From $65 by Jo Malone London
Mojave
Mojave
They
Say
“The scorched land was dotted with dusty brush and the occasional desert flower.”
We
Say
If you like clean, sporty fragrances, the peppery citrus of this is perfect for you while dried tobacco adds depth. Plus, the travel-friendly bottle is top notch.
$65 by Abbott NYC
$65 by Abbott NYC
Citizen X
Citizen X
They
Say
“A fresh, airy and detonating note, irresistible on the lapel of a tuxedo jacket.”
We
Say
Slightly floral without being girly since it's grounded with a zingy peppery spice and the faint scent of unburned incense. It's crisp, clean and sure to please.
$225 by Ex Nihilo
$225 by Ex Nihilo
Cowboy Grass
Cowboy Grass
They
Say
“Sagebrush and switchgrass from the wild western territories. Perfect for robbing banks on horseback.”
We
Say
Lemony thyme and newly cut grass hit you first. It's masculine, yes, but less like cologne and more the way you'd like to smell after you've just gone for a hike.
$125 by D.S. & Durga
$125 by D.S. & Durga
Aztec Noir
Aztec Noir
They
Say
“A modern interpretation of Pre-Columbian purification rituals involving the wild Palo Santo tree.”
We
Say
A true smoky fragrance, this has smoldering campfire vibes mixed with fresh cut cedar timbers and a creamy richness we've come to recognize as amber.
From $110 by Carlen Parfums
From $110 by Carlen Parfums
The “Dry Down”
⇓
An industry term for the time it takes for a fragrance to react with your skin and for the heart of the scent to kick in. This is why a scent smells different on each person.