sometimes we all want a little bit of luxury. Whether you’re looking for an everyday cologne to make yourself feel more confident or a sophisticated scent to take special occasions to the next level, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 most expensive colognes that are also accessible — and a few that require a splurge.
These colognes run a high price tag, but are also generally available and more accessible for men. To add a bit of luxury to your shelf, consider one of these options that are sure to please, listed from least to most expensive.
Boucheron Oud de Carthage
Cost: $191 for 125ml
Blending three distinct scents into one harmonious and rich cologne, Oud de Carthage is a leathery, Oriental scent that is both pleasant and commanding. By mixing classic Oriental notes with honey and tonka beans, this fragrance is unique, sensual and inviting.
Top notes: Incense, honey
Heart notes: Labdanum absolute, tonka bean
Base notes: Oud wood, leather
Best for: A mysterious man who wants to smell sensual and inviting.
Jo Malone London Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense
Cost: $190 for 100ml
With this scent released in 2010, Jo Malone London combined the smoky scent of oud, popular in Middle Eastern fragrances, with the crisp, citrus scent of bergamot. What resulted was a scent that the British perfumier called “Cologne Intense,” so named for its potent fragrance that is tailor-made to turn heads.
Top notes: Bergamot
Heart notes: Cedarwood
Base notes: Oud wood
Best for: A nostalgic man who still wants something to freshen up his profile.
Christian Dior Ambre Nuit
Cost: $220 for 125ml
Ambre Nuit creator François Demachy described this cologne as the “fragrant embodiment of Beauty and the Beast,” for the way it combines the animalistic amber with the delicate Turkish rose. Stuck in the balance of intense and gentle, this cologne is a surprising and complex scent for anyone who likes to walk on the wild side.
Top notes: Bergamot
Heart notes: Turkish rose, ambergris
Base notes: Cistus labdanum
Best for: An ambitious man who wants to embody the opposing elements of nature.
Armani Privé Rose d’Arabie
Cost: $290 for 100ml
This perfume highlights the Damask Rose, a hybrid rose made from the Rosa gallica and Rosa phoenicia that is most notably found in the Middle East. With this scent, Giorgio Armani aimed to mimic the flower’s bright sensuality by creating a cologne that combines the floral scent of the rose with patchouli and vanilla. The perfect scent to inspire confidence and sensuality.
Top notes: Saffron
Heart notes: Damask rose, patchouli, dark woods
Base notes: Amber
Best for: A confident man who wants to turn heads with an alluring, inviting scent.
H3: Amouage Bracken
Cost: $340 for 100ml
Returning to its Midnight Flowers collection, Amouage created Bracken Man to be an enigmatic Fougère that combines the traditional brightness of lemon and bergamot with the earthy base notes of musk and patchouli. This subtle scent is a great option for daytime wear that is both fresh and exciting.
Top notes: Lemon, bergamot, cypress, levandin, nutmeg, clove
Heart notes: Geranium, cinnamon, cedarwood, sandalwood
Base notes: Patchouli, musk
Best for: A down-to-earth man who wants a bright smell to liven up his day
Papillon Artisan Perfumes Tobacco Rose
Cost: $175 for 50ml
Combining the iconic scents of rose and geranium with the earthy scent of oakmoss and French hay, this cologne combines the masculine and feminine elements of nature into one pleasing scent. This cologne is for any man who wants to celebrate both the complex and the beautiful elements of nature.
Top notes: Bulgarian rose otto, rose de mai, geranium bourbon
Heart notes: Galbanum, beeswax, vetiver, French hay, ambergris
Base notes: Oakmoss, musk
Best for: An adventurous man who wants to explore both his wild and serene sides.
Creed Aventus
Cost: $435 for 100ml
Created as an ode to emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, this powerful scent signifies strength and success. This fruity, rich fragrance blends bergamot, pinkberries, patchouli and musk to create a potent and inviting scent. The name translates to “from the wind,” making this scent a must-have for any man who wants to live a full life of success.
Top notes: Bergamot, blackcurrant leaves, apple, pineapple
Heart notes: Pinkberries, birch, patchouli, jasmine
Base notes: Musk, oakmoss, ambergris, vanilla
Best for: A go-getter who wants his cologne to match his on-the-go lifestyle.
Tom Ford Tobacco Oud Eau De Parfum
Cost: $240 for 50ml
This cologne was made in the Arabic tradition of blending the scent of oud wood resin and smoky tobacco. To create a truly masculine and powerful scent, the cologne combines the scents of oud and tobacco with notes of whiskey, patchouli and tonka beans. What results is a striking, powerful scent that inspires confidence.
Top notes: Whiskey
Heart notes: Cinnamon, Coriander
Base notes: Oud, Tobacco, Tonka Beans, Patchouli
Best for: A powerful man that wants a scent to inspire boldness.
By Kilian Musk Oud Arabian Nights
Cost: $280 for 50ml
With this scent, By Kilian aimed to combine the traditionally masculine notes of musk and spices with the feminine notes of rose and geranium petals. What resulted was a spicy, floral scent that communicates complexity and power. Meant to be a complement to By Killian’s regal Rose Oud Arabian Nights scent, this cologne is a sensual yet romantic scent sure to please.
Top notes: Lemon, cardamom, coriander
Heart notes: Cypress, Bulgarian rose, geranium
Base notes: Rum, incense, oud wood, musk
Best for: A true romantic who wants his scent to compliment his allure.
Creed Spice & Wood
Cost: $545 for 75ml
This woody, fresh cologne was manufactured to blend many scents into a harmonious, yet daring, fragrance. The perfume opens with citrusy notes of lemon and bergamot before settling into the rich, earthy influences of patchouli and cedarwood. This cologne is for any man who wants to smell inviting and bold.
Top notes: Apple, bergamot, lemon
Heart notes: Angelic root, pinkberries, vetiver, patchouli, cloves, Pimento (Jamaican Pepper), birch
Base notes: Iris, cedarwood, oakmoss, tonkin musk
Best for: A daring man who is always longing for the next great adventure.
Clive Christian No. 1 Masculine Edition
Cost: $652 for 50ml
This understated yet bold cologne evolves over time on its own fragrance journey, remaining subtle and intriguing throughout the day. Base notes of thyme provide an herbaceous scent, which blend with heart notes of bergamot and pink grapefruit to become citrusy and refreshing. Topped off with musk and sandalwood, this cologne is sure to keep any man smelling fresh and complex.
Top notes: Thyme
Heart notes: Lily-of-the-valley, bergamot, pink grapefruit
Base notes: Tonka bean, musk, sandalwood
Best for: An elegant man who wants his scent to evolve along with his daily proceedings.