Best Perfumes & colognes According to r/fragrance (December 2025)

tldr; Refined oolong tea with citrus brightness. Fresh yet substantial. Office-safe sophistication that reads expensive. Extrait strength lasts all day.

tldr; Acqua di Parma's line, including Colonia, is known for its diverse "smelly waters," with specific variations like Mandorlo di Sicilia offering distinct gourmand experiences.

tldr; Diptyque Tam Dao is a creamy, fresh sandalwood fragrance, often compared to Santal 33, praised for its versatility and suitability for warmer weather.

tldr; Lavender-lemon freshness with amber warmth. The sophisticated clubbing fragrance. Strong projection gets noticed.

tldr; The definitive fig fragrance. Green, woody, and creamy fig leaf opening gives way to coconut milk drydown. Spring signature for minimalists.

tldr; Guerlain Shalimar is an iconic and historic perfume, celebrated for its unique vanilla notes and rich, sometimes controversial, past, with L'Essence being particularly praised.

tldr; The 'clean' oud that dominates compliments - blends saffron-nutmeg-oud without animalic funk.

tldr; Smoky bourbon bar atmosphere. Leather, tobacco, and rum notes. Evening sophistication without stuffiness. The Replica line's crown jewel.

tldr; BDK Parfums Gris Charnel is a highly popular, year-round sandalwood-forward scent, praised for its creamy, woody profile, though some note low projection for the EDP.

tldr; Dark vetiver masterpiece at drugstore prices. Earthy, wet forest floor vibes. Outperforms $300+ niche offerings. Not crowd-pleasing - acquired taste.

tldr; Dark iris bomb - polarizing and seductive. Not a mass-pleaser but devotees obsess over it. Better for dates than office. Reformulation debates ongoing.

tldr; Clean aquatic classic - yuzu and water notes. Safe office scent. Inoffensive crowd-pleaser. Good starter fragrance.

tldr; Versace Man Eau Fraiche is highly regarded as a great, easy-to-wear, cool, fresh fragrance, especially for summer, with some finding it surprisingly unisex.

tldr; Louis Vuitton Imagination receives mixed reviews, with some finding it complimented, but others strongly disliking its scent, comparing it to soap or urinal cakes.

tldr; Terre d'Hermès is celebrated as a classic, elegant fragrance, often described as a unique blend of desert, citrus, and woody notes.

tldr; Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio is a classic fresh aquatic scent, often grouped with "blue" fragrances, though some find it generic or like shower gel.

tldr; Cinnamon-vanilla powerhouse with nuclear projection. Sweeter and more refined than original. Fall/winter date night staple - one spray sufficient.

tldr; Honeyed tobacco and hay on warm amber. Cozy fall/winter essential. Exceptional value for Lutens quality. The comfort scent.

tldr; Powdery iris and clean soap. The thinking person's office fragrance. Never offensive, endlessly wearable. Barbershop elegance updated.

tldr; Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir is a sophisticated, comforting vanilla-amber scent that projects an air of superiority and class without being offensive.

tldr; Mediterranean summer in a bottle. Fresh, citrusy, mass-appealing. The safe choice that offends no one. Good value entry to designer fragrance.

tldr; Giorgio Armani Code EDP is noted for its unique Dr. Pepper-like scent, which some users enjoy, while the line is sometimes associated with a specific "type" of wearer.

tldr; Smoky tea leaves, fig, and vetiver. Cozy sophistication without sweetness. The drydown justifies the Le Labo price tag.

tldr; Cardamom and lavender seduction. The original date night fragrance. Performance issues plague recent batches but the scent remains iconic.