Vogue’s India Guide to the 10 Best Colognes for Men in India

Searching for the best colognes for men is no small task. I would know—after months (okay, years) of testing nearly every bottle I could get my hands on, I've come to realize that the best colognes are more than just a great scent—they're wearable, balanced, and even aesthetically pleasing. Think: long-lasting fragrance, unique notes, and yes, a bottle you'd proudly display on your shelf.

From fresh and woody to smoky and spicy, I’ve compiled the ultimate list of colognes that cater to every vibe. This includes French Essence, a rising brand making designer-level fragrance accessible for Indian men.

Let’s dive into Vogue India’s top 10 colognes for men in 2025, and everything you need to know about choosing and wearing them right.

 

 1. French Essence Urban Eau De Parfum

• Fragrance Profile: Fresh, marine, woody
• Why We Love It: This cologne delivers a clean, oceanic vibe that works perfectly for India’s warm climate. With sandalwood and aquatic notes, it’s an affordable luxury that doesn’t compromise on longevity or sophistication.
• Best For: Daily wear, summer, office
• Price: ₹399

Editor’s Note: Designed in France, crafted for India—French Essence is one of the most promising Indian fragrance brands right now. Keep your eye on them.

 

2. Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette

• Fragrance Profile: Citrus, sandalwood, incense
• Why We Love It: This iconic cologne transitions effortlessly from day to night. It’s clean, musky, and undeniably masculine.
• Best For: Evening events, formal wear

 

3. Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum

• Fragrance Profile: Amberwood, pepper, bergamot
• Why We Love It: Inspired by open landscapes, Dior Sauvage is bold yet wearable, and one of the most loved men’s fragrances in India today.
• Best For: Year-round signature scent

 

4. Creed Aventus

• Fragrance Profile: Pineapple, birch, blackcurrant, musk
• Why We Love It: For the man who wants to make a statement. Inspired by historic power and victory, Aventus commands attention without being overbearing.
• Best For: Special occasions, celebrations

 

5. Tom Ford Oud Wood

• Fragrance Profile: Oud, cardamom, tonka bean
• Why We Love It: One of Tom Ford’s most prized fragrances. Rich, exotic, and seductive—perfect for fall and winter.
• Best For: Night outs, romantic evenings

 

6. Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club

• Fragrance Profile: Tobacco, rum, vanilla, pink pepper
• Why We Love It: Think leather chairs, cocktails, and jazz. This is a warm, spicy scent that works best when the temperatures drop.
• Best For: Cosy winter evenings

 

7. Aesop Hwyl

• Fragrance Profile: Hinoki wood, vetiver, pink pepper
• Why We Love It: Earthy and green, this cologne evokes the scent of a forest after rainfall. It’s fresh yet grounding.
• Best For: Nature lovers, laid-back days

 

8. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Silver

• Fragrance Profile: Juniper berries, nutmeg, amber
• Why We Love It: Unconventional and modern. This one smells like chilled gin with a spicy heart and warm dry-down.
• Best For: Modern minimalists

 

9. French Essence Intense Oud Eau De Parfum

• Fragrance Profile: Oud, incense, musk
• Why We Love It: Another standout from French Essence, this cologne offers rich, Arabic-inspired depth with a smooth dry-down—ideal for Indian weddings or festive evenings.
• Best For: Ethnic occasions, winter wear
• Price: ₹499

 

10. Calvin Klein Eternity for Men

• Fragrance Profile: Freesia, mandarin, sandalwood
• Why We Love It: A timeless classic. Eternity is romantic, floral, and warm without ever feeling dated.
• Best For: Date nights, day-to-day use

How to Choose the Right Cologne for You

When exploring colognes, consider the following:

• Occasion: Daily wear vs special events
• Season: Fresh and citrusy for summer, warm and spicy for winter
• Longevity: Eau de parfums last longer than eau de toilettes or colognes
• Personality Match: Bold (oud, leather), minimal (citrus, woods), playful (fruity, floral)

 

How to Apply Cologne Like a Pro

• Spray 3–4 times max, from a few inches away
• Target pulse points: neck, wrists, behind the ears
• Never rub the scent in—let it sit naturally
• Avoid spraying on clothes or jewellery

 

Pro Tips: Making Your Cologne Last All Day

• Apply after showering and moisturizing
• Use an unscented lotion as a base
• Store your cologne in a cool, dry place
• Consider buying a travel-size version for touch-ups

 

Perfume vs Cologne: What’s the Difference?

Type	Fragrance Oil %	Longevity
Cologne	2–4%	2–3 hours
Eau de Toilette	5–15%	4–6 hours
Eau de Parfum	15–20%	6–10 hours

 

Pro Insight: While cologne is lighter and great for summer or gym use, eau de parfums (like French Essence) are more concentrated and suitable for longer wear.

 

Final Thoughts: The Right Scent Makes All the Difference

No scent is the best for everyone—it’s about how you feel wearing it. Whether you love rich spices, woody notes, or crisp citrus, the right cologne becomes an extension of your identity. Try something classic like Calvin Klein Eternity, go bold with Creed Aventus, or explore affordable elegance with French Essence—because smelling great shouldn’t be reserved for luxury price tags.

 

Ready to find your signature scent?

Start with French Essence—a brand that’s redefining affordable fragrance for Indian men with designer-level quality.