The Best Cheap Men’s Cologne

We've rounded up the best scents for guys who want to spend less and smell better

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It doesn’t take a genius to understand why guys would want to find the best cheap colognes on the market:

Men’s Journal once did a survey and found that a majority of women prefer men who wear a good cologne.

As a respondent named Ellie J put it: “I do like when guys have a good cologne—that way if I smell it randomly on someone, I think of them.”

The problem is that, while cologne can be helpful in making a good impression, it can also be absurdly expensive.

The shelves are often stocked with designer-label scents that may smell great, but can cost more than your weekly grocery bill.

Fortunately, you don’t have to shell out to smell great. 

There are plenty of inexpensive mens cologne options – including some from big designer brand names – that offer an enticing scent that will make other people happy to have you in their orbit.

In this post I’ll round up the best cheap colognes for men, and explain a little bit about why each one can help you smell sharp and stand out.

The vast majority of colognes on this list are priced at less than $40. A few run north of 50 bucks, but even then it’s mostly because they only come in larger size bottles, which always cost  a little more. 


At a Glance↓

We’ll break down the details of each cologne below and explain why we like each scent, but here’s a quick summary of some of our specific faves:

Best Cheap Cologne for Everyday Wear:
Nautica Voyage
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Best Cheap Cologne for Special Occasions: Drakkar Noir
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Best Cheap Vanilla Cologne: Spice & Black Vanilla by Cremo
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Best Cheap Cologne For Teenage Guys: Versace Versace Versus Blue Jeans
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Best Cheap Winter Cologne: Burberry Touch for Men
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Best Cheap Designer Cologne: Guess 1981 Los Angeles
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Best Cheap Long Lasting Cologne: Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man


Who Wrote This Article

Irreverent Gent Founder and Editor-in-Chief Dave Bowden has been a service journalist for more than a decade.

His style advice and menswear recommendations have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, and Men’s Health, among many other outlets.

How We Chose The Best Cheap Colognes

Timeless, Masculine Fragrances

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Long-Lasting
Scents

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In-Person & Online Reviews

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To us, the best cheap colognes are the ones with a timeless, masculine fragrance, a long-lasting scent, and solid reviews that suggest they’re widely appreciated by the majority of buyers.

In addition to the sub-$40 price tag, the main criteria we used to assess each scent were their ingredients, the complexity and uniqueness of their fragrance profile, and the reputational strength of the brand that makes each one.

We’ll break down the details of each cologne below and explain why we like each scent, but here’s a quick summary of some of our specific faves:

To learn more about how we rate and review products, check out our product review and roundup policy here.

OK, preamble over! Let’s get to the scents.


The (Absolute) Best Cheap Cologne for Men  


Breaking Down the Best Affordable Cologne for Men Who Want to Smell Better & Spend Less

Best Cheap Everyday Cologne ↓

Nautica Voyage

Nautica Voyage
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 97,216 Reviews
Features: 
  • Top Notes: green leaves and apple lotus 
  • Heart Notes: water lotus
  • Base Notes: cedarwood, marine notes, amber, musk 
Advantages:

If you’re looking for a versatile signature scent that smells great and lasts a long time, the good news is that you don’t have to break the bank.

Nautica’s Voyage eau de toilette easily earns our top pick thanks to its crisp, fresh scent that evokes the smell of fresh water, but also has amber notes and an almost woody scent that makes it distinctly masculine. 

It’s a perfect scent if you’re looking for a go-to warm weather cologne, but the base notes of cedarwood help distinguish it from typical summer scents, making it a great option to wear year-round. 

Promising Review: 

I watched a lot of YouTube videos about getting a perfume and decided to go with this one for my first purchase and man, this one’s awesome! 

The smell is fresh and fruity. You can wear this for pretty much any occasion and smell great. And for this price, it’s definitely a steal! 

Magesh Sridhar

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Best Cheap Cologne for Special Occasions ↓

Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche

Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche
Rating: 
  • 4.7 Stars
    • 4,681 Reviews
Features: 
  • Top Notes: Basil, Rosemary, Green mint, Verbena, Lavender, Lemon
  • Heart Notes: Angelica, Wormwood, Juniper, Coriander
  • Base Notes: Oak moss, Patchouli, Cedar, Pine needle, Balsam
Advantages:

Drakkar Noir is one of the best colognes for guys on a tight budget, who want to smell sophisticated without spending a fortune. 

It has floral notes on the top that give it an aromatic fragrance, with unique base notes like angelica and juniper berries, which you don’t often find in affordable colognes. 

On the bottom, you get woody undertones of patchouli, oak and pine that make this not only a good cold-weather cologne, but the perfect fragrance for guys who want to make a good first impression at any time of year. 

Promising Review: 

Don’t underestimate this classic. I receive compliments EVERY TIME i wear it. It’s definitely has a masculine scent to it that draws women in close.

Jonathan Williams

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Best Cheap Cologne for Teens ↓

Versace Versace Versus Blue Jeans

Versace Versace Versus Blue Jeans
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 4,412 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I’ve worn this fragrance since highschool, almost 25yrs. It’s a universal fragrance, the crisp citrousy notes of bergamot, juniper and jasmine make it ideal for spring/summer wear but the lingering warm notes of vanilla, sandalwood and cedar make it a nice fall/winter wear.

Michael W.

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Best Cheap Vanilla Cologne

Spice & Black Vanilla by Cremo

Spice & Black Vanilla by Cremo
Rating: 
  • 4.3 Stars
    • 29,028 Reviews
Features: 
  • Blend of Cardamom, tobacco and black vanilla 
Advantages:

Cremo’s much-loved spice and black vanilla is a great scent that provides great value. 

Vanilla can sometimes be thought of as a more feminine scent, but the spicy base and addition of tobacco help masculinize it, and set it (and by extension, its wearer) apart from other common men’s fragrances. 

Promising Review: 

Really impressed with this for the price. I have not bought a cologne in this price range since my teens but I kept seeing solid reviews.

It’s fairly strong, at least on me, for about the first 20 minutes then it seems to settle down and smells wonderful.

Steelstorm

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Best Cheap Winter Cologne

Burberry Touch for Men

Burberry Touch for Men
Rating: 
  • 4.7 Stars
    • 6,150 Reviews
Features: 
  • Top Notes: Black pepper, cedar and violet
  • Heart Notes: Geranium and white thyme
  • Base Notes: Vetiver
Advantages:

An excellent cold-weather fragrance at an even better price, the most important thing to know about Burberry’s Touch is that it’s better suited for the winter than the summer. 

Where lighter, more summer-ready scents have citrus and other fruity notes on top, Touch opts for cedar and spice, immediately distinguishing it as a great winter wear. 

Its base notes of vetiver further reinforce the cold-weather vibes, evoking the kind of dry scent you get in the fall after the leaves have turned. 

That combination makes this the right fragrance for guys who want a warm, rich and affordable scent to layer under their fall and winter wardrobes. 

Promising Review: 

I love this version of Touch as much as the original! Lasts all day and smells amazing. This is my go to winter scent.

Charles Knapp

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Best Cheap Designer Cologne

Guess 1981 Los Angeles

Guess 1981 Los Angeles
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 863 Reviews
Features: 
  • Top notes: bergamot, black pepper, plum 
  • Middle notes: ginger, geranium, mint
  • Base notes: vetiver, sandalwood, tobacco, amber
Advantages:

This is a high-quality fragrance that comes in at a much more affordable price than a lot of people might expect from a big-name brand like Guess. 

It has top notes of fresh spices like bergamot and black pepper, fresher middle notes of ginger and mint, and masculine base notes of sandalwood and tobacco, all of which combine to make it a high-quality fragrance (and one of the best scents you can find at this price point). 

Promising Review: 

Boy this fragrance is making them snap they necks when i walk by. Last about 6-7 hours… sweet and good!!!!

Jonathan Robinson

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Best Cheap Long Lasting Cologne

Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man

Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man
Rating: 
  • 4.4 Stars
    • 41,608 Reviews
Features: 
  • Top Notes: Bergamot , Lemon, Pineapple, Black Current
  • Heart Notes: Birch, Jasmine, Rose
  • Base Notes: Vanilla, Ambergris, Patchouli
Advantages:

Some cologne names can be pretty ambiguous (I mean, it’s not immediately obvious to me what “1981 Los Angeles” should smell like), but this one hits the nail on the head. 

Intense Man is a high-impact scent that nicely balances masculinity and sophistication. 

Its base notes are less woodsy than many of the other affordable fragrances on this list, opting instead for vanilla, ambergris and patchouli, which give it a unique, almost sweet scent. 

Promising Review: 

It is super hard to find an affordable cologne that lasts long AND smells great… It is a great year round scent and I will be buying this again.

Edwin Calderon

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Curve by Liz Claiborne for Men  

Curve by Liz Claiborne for Men  
Rating: 
  • 4.7 Stars
    • 1,714 Reviews
Features: 
  • Top notes: pineapple, lavender, lemon, juniper, neroli 
  • Middle notes: bergamot, cactus, ginger, sage, violet, cardamom, coriander 
  • Base notes: musk, sandalwood, mahogany, cedar 
Advantages:

Curve has top notes of lemon and pineapple, which evoke warmer weather and make this an excellent choice for spring and summer. 

But the main reason it ranks so high on our list is that these notes of citrus are nicely complemented by a base of sandalwood, mahogany and a manly musk, which go a long way toward making it both more masculine, and more appropriate for year-round use. 

The result is a solid go-to cologne that you could pair with a suit and tie, shorts and a tee, or office wear like a grey flannel shirt and a pair of khakis.

Promising Review: 

This is one of my all-time favorite men’s colognes. We have bought many expensive brands and this one stands up to all of them!

Laurie P.

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Seductive Homme by Guess

Seductive Homme by Guess
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 6,055 Reviews
Features: 
  • Top Notes: Cardamom, Mandarin Pulp, Pink Pepper
  • Heart Notes: Vanilla Orchid, Crushed Violet Leaves, Vetiver
  • Base Notes: Amberwood, Creamy Sandalwood, Musk, Patchouli
Advantages:

Seductive Homme is a good cheap cologne that comes out firing, with top notes of pink pepper and mandarin pulp. 

Up the middle it brings floral heart notes of vanilla and crushed violet that help it stand out (and thus help you leave a lasting impression). 

And the base notes of amberwood, sandalwood and musk give it a woody fragrance that makes it both more masculine and more interesting than the best cheap perfumes. 

Promising Review: 

Smells absolutely amazing! It lasts a decent amount of time, a couple hours, and is very strong just with 2 sprays. It definitely gets the job done if you’re going somewhere fancy. Overall, its a great buy.

JJ

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Blu Atlas Atlantis

Blu Atlas Atlantis
Rating: 
  • 4.7 Stars
    • 99 Reviews
Features: 
  • Top notes: bergamot, lemon, blackcurrant
  • Mid notes: lavender, clary sage, peach, apricot
  • Base notes: orris, oak-moss, violet, ambrette seed, musk
Advantages:

Blu Atlas makes some of the best fragrances on the market right now, and their Atlantis scent is arguably the best of the bunch. 

Its top notes are a perfect blend of bergamot, lemon and blackcurrant, which is combined with clary sage and lavender notes in the middle and warmer notes of oak moss and ambrette seed at the base. 

The result is a unique new scent that could very well join the list of (much) more expensive enduring classics from luxury brands like Tom Ford and Yves Saint Laurent.

Promising Review: 

I just received my Atlantis cologne and its a very clean, eye opening, and refreshing scent! It usually takes a bit for certain scents to grow on me but I’m enjoying this from the first use! 

– Mitchell

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Versace Pour Homme by Gianni Versace for Men

Versace Pour Homme by Gianni Versace for Men
Rating: 
  • 4.7 Stars
    • 1,294 Reviews
Features: 
  • Top Notes: citrus, neroli, bergamot and petit grain
  • Middle Notes: hyacinth, clary sage, cedar and geranium
  • Base Notes: tonka bean, musk, amber
Advantages:

And speaking of luxury brands, Versace’s Pour Homme is a great cheap fragrance from a brand known for high-end luxury goods. 

It’s got bergamot and citrus notes on top to give it freshness, and a unique floral middle that includes hyacinth and geranium. 

It finishes with a base note that includes tonka bean, amber and musk, giving it woody notes that nicely ground the lighter, floral notes above it. 

Promising Review: 

Excellent masculine fragrance. Not too strong, not too faint, and stays with me quite a while. Wife likes it, and she’s very picky and sensitive about colognes.

Paul S. Anderson

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Best of the Rest ↓

The scents above ranked among our top 10 choices for men with modest budgets and good taste in fragrances, but we’re fully aware that scent is subjective, and these are hardly the only cheap colognes on the market. 

Below we’ve rounded up dozens of other affordable colognes that will give you a wider variety of fragrances and price points, any of which could work just as well with your personal style, tastes and (of course) budget. 


Lucky You for Men

Lucky You for Men
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 465 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I have been using this cologne for year about 10 years or longer. My wife loves it so much she even bought the female perfume kit. Hands down the best cologne I have ever used.

Tyler Lopez

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Bogart Pour Homme

Bogart Pour Homme
Rating: 
  • 4.2 Stars
    • 45 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Great fragrance. Had I known about this fragrance I would have gotten it a long time ago. It’s just wonderful and lasts all day long on my skin.

RB

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Perry Ellis 360 Red for Men

Perry Ellis 360 Red for Men
Rating: 
  • 4.7 Stars
    • 10,268 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Very good purchase. Excellent smell for the price point. 

Aiden McPeak

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English Leather

English Leather
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 2,994 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Grandfather used this. Father used it. Uncle uses this. I use it. Only thing I use. The scent has changed a bit over the years, but still manlier and better (in my opinion) than other scents. 

TyFranc

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Riviera Nights

Riviera Nights
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 3 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I am a small time men’s frag hobbyist/ collector and all I can say is this is a bang for your buck. It’s scent quality amazes me because this frag has a multiple personality. 

The scent transforms a few times before becoming linear. Performance and projection is good on my skin. Great juice at a very decent price.

Jun Z

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Davidoff Cool Water 

Davidoff Cool Water 
Rating: 
  • 4.7 Stars
    • 10,250 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I am a huge fan of nautical scents, and this one is just straight up fantastic! I own some much more expensive ocean-y scents, but Cool Water is amazing! For the price, it is so much better! I use it all the time because of the quality and how long the scent lasts.

Andrew McElhannon

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Versace Man Eau Fraiche 

Versace Man Eau Fraiche 
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 23,162 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Great cologne for the price. It’s not a very strong smell. It’s on the lighter side but still a good cologne. I def recommend it.

Hector Castillo Jr.

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F Black by Salvatore Ferragamo

F Black by Salvatore Ferragamo
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 656 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I loved the scent and it has a good durability in relation to its price.

Nicolas Antezana

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Clinique Happy for Men

Clinique Happy for Men
Rating: 
  • 4.7 Stars
    • 5,817 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I like the intriguing citrus scent as well as the compliments I get when I wear it.

Gregory Treadwell

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Dreamer by Versace

Dreamer by Versace
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 21,085 Reviews
Promising Review: 

The smell is amazingly good and feels lite on the skin.

Eric

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Individuel Montblanc

Individuel Montblanc
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 3,554 Reviews
Promising Review: 

This is a very clean, fresh, masculine scent without being overpowering or intrusive. It’s musky and woodsy, yet a touch of freshness. 

I’ve gotten many compliments on this and am happy I can get it on Amazon.

D.O’Brien

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Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger for Men  

Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger for Men  
Rating: 
  • 4.8 Stars
    • 2,127 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Smells wonderful, my girlfriend loves it on me and I get a ton of compliments at work.

Very clean scent that is appropriate for all situations and lasts for a good amount of time, there is little fading of the cologne as the day goes on, I can still smell great after a ten hour workday.

Nolan Green

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Stetson Original

Stetson Original
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 7,891 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I like everything about Stetson cologne. I am 65 years old. I started using it when I was 18. Hopefully the prices stay low. The scent is great and [I get] many compliments all the time.

Mike K.

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Calvin Klein CK Everyone

Calvin Klein CK Everyone
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 2,889 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I love the clean citrus smell and it lasts pretty much all day. It’s made for women and men and the scent changes a little from person to person. Wear it everyday the clean scent is not overpowering so you’re not standing out.

Full Throttle Texas

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Curve Crush for Men

Curve Crush for Men
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 6,430 Reviews
Promising Review: 

This has been one of my most constant colognes since high school. It’s not too strong yet durable, not expensive either yet good enough to get compliments. This is my going to work/gonna be around fragrance

Felipe Ramos

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Davidoff Hot Water Eau De Toilette

Davidoff Hot Water Eau De Toilette
Rating: 
  • 4.4 Stars
    • 626 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I have got a bit more hugs ,kisses and compliments when I wear this .. lol 💯 will buy again

Tim J Johnson

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Quorum By Antonio Puig for Men

Quorum By Antonio Puig for Men
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 1,345 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I don’t know why more guys don’t wear this cologne. It isn’t overly sweet or musky or spicy, is just the perfect blend. Very sexy and irresistible, and I won’t let my husband wear anything else.

Kindle Customer

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Jaguar Classic Gold Eau de Toilette

Jaguar Classic Gold Eau de Toilette
Rating: 
  • 4.4 Stars
    • 2,108 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Very smooth, unique scent in a very good way. Longevity is better than I expected and the price you cannot beat for this juice!

Joel Spencer

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Halston Z-14

Halston Z-14
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 3,098 Reviews
Promising Review: 

BIG bottle, I thought it was smaller. I was impressed at the size compared to the price, good buy.

Eugene Titsworth Jr

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Jovan Musk

Jovan Musk
Rating: 
  • 4.8 Stars
    • 7,613 Reviews
Promising Review: 

haven’t used this cologne in many years and was so surprised when it showed up on Amazon as I didn’t think it had survived time. it is still a wonderful light refreshing scent and really enjoy it and for the PRICE, great deal.

Paul L. Gardner

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Nautica Blue

Nautica Blue
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 18,559 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Highly recommend. Very nice and refreshing scent for price..

First time trying a Nautic cologne and I definitely love it.

Kevecia

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CK One

CK One
Rating: 
  • 4.7 Stars
    • 16,020 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I bought this as a Christmas present for my boyfriend and he loved the scent and bottle. The product smells great and only needs a spray or two to last most of the day. 

The bottle is a decent size and should last awhile if used frequently. Definitely recommend.

Taylor

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Encre Noire

Encre Noire
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 588 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Very masculine earthy/musky mens cologne. Great for the winter months

Primer50

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Just Me by Paris Hilton

Just Me by Paris Hilton
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 1,915 Reviews
Promising Review: 

this is my favorite cologne. been using this scent since I can remember. I get compliments from females all the time about how good I smell when I wear this cologne. two sprays and it last all day. love it.

Kenny

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Blue Seduction by Antonio Banderas

Blue Seduction by Antonio Banderas
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 5,119 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Has always been my husband’s favorite smell and at a great price

Billie Sosa

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Ulysse by Vicky Tiel

Ulysse by Vicky Tiel
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 530 Reviews
Promising Review: 

This is my second order of this cologne. The first time I ordered it I was just taking a chance after seeing the low price & reading the description. Turned out to be a great buy.

Fairly inexpensive & a nice, clean, long lasting scent (NOT overpowering though, IMO) . I’ve gotten a number of compliments on this cologne too .

– Eric

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Paco Rabanne Pour Homme

Paco Rabanne Pour Homme
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 31,847 Reviews
Promising Review: 

this cologne is one of the best for the price. You can pay more and get better but you cannot pay this price and get a better cologne

Gary D. Overton

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FAQ 

Can cheap cologne smell good?

Yeah, cheap cologne can definitely smell good. The appeal of cologne (or any fragrance) is subjective, so it depends on the quality of ingredients and personal preferences, not necessarily the price. A well-composed, inexpensive cologne can be just as pleasing to the nose as a pricey one.

Why does cologne wear off so fast?

Cologne wears off quickly due to factors like evaporation, absorption by the skin, and your body’s natural oils. The higher alcohol content in cologne makes it more volatile, causing it to evaporate faster. Personal factors like skin type, pH balance, and body temperature can also affect the scent’s longevity.

How can I smell like cologne all day?

Cologne wears off quickly because of factors like evaporation, absorption by the skin, and your body’s natural oils. Its higher alcohol content also makes it more volatile, which causes it to evaporate faster. Personal factors like skin type, pH balance, and body temperature can also affect the scent’s longevity.

How long does a bottle of cologne last if you use it everyday?

Assuming a standard 50ml bottle and that you use about 2 sprays a day, a bottle of cologne should last roughly 6 months. But this is a rule of thumb—it can vary depending on the number of sprays used each day and the concentration of the cologne.

Does cheap cologne last longer?

Not necessarily. The longevity of a cologne depends on its composition, namely the concentration of perfume oils, not its price. Higher concentrations (as in perfume or eau de parfum) tend to last longer than lower ones (like eau de toilette or cologne), regardless of their cost.


More Resources ↓

More Advice to Help You Step Up Your Scent Game:
More Men’s Grooming Advice & Style Tips From Irreverent Gent:

The Recap ↓

Overall Best Cheap Cologne for Everyday Wear

Dave Bowden

Summary

Nautica’s Voyage eau de toilette easily earns our top pick thanks to its crisp, fresh scent that evokes the smell of fresh water, but also has amber notes and an almost woody scent that makes it distinctly masculine.

4.5
Banner Photo: Africa Studio / Shutterstock
Banner Illustration: Irreverent Gent

About Dave Bowden

Dave Bowden

Founder, Irreverent Gent
Author, Man in Command and Stop Doubting, Start Dating
Writer, Really Wordy Author Bios

Dave Bowden is a style blogger, menswear expert and best-selling author (in Canada—but still!) whose advice on how to look good and live well has been featured in New York Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Men's Health and more.

When not obsessing over style and self-improvement, he can usually be found spending time with his wonderful wife and two amazing sons, indulging in a hoppy craft beer, or sobbing over the woeful state of Toronto's sports teams.

Check out Dave's Style Story to find out how a chance encounter with his friend's step-dad taught him the value of looking good and living well (don't worry—it's less creepy than it sounds!), or email him at [email protected] if you want to get in touch.

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