There’s nothing like finding a signature scent; only finding it is often the hardest part. With so many blends and bottles to choose from, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the best aftershave for men. Something woody or fresh? Classic or new? And then there’s all the notes too. So, to make the search easier, we’ve looked high and low to find the best-smelling, long-lasting men's fragrances for 2021. Bringing you a stylish selection of signature bottles and suits-all gift sets, read on for the top 10 aftershaves for men.
Want even more choice? Take a peek at our edit of Fragrance Gifts here.
How we choose the best aftershave for men
Don’t know your top notes from your base notes, or your colognes from your eau de toilettes? With the help of some editor-approved and five-star reviews, we’ve narrowed down the top 10 scents for men with every price point, scent preference and style in mind. We’ve based our search on everything from the inside out—the longevity, concentration and ingredients to the design and inspiration. And since it’s the kind of gift you really need to do your research for: we’ve done our homework and studied every scent, flavour, aroma and bouquet to find the best of the best. And if you're after even more inspiration, try our Gifts for Him section.
Tiffany & Love For Him Eau de Toilette
Scent type: Citrus
Gift one to him and one for yourself this Christmas. Tiffany & Co’s latest creation is a duo of scents designed for him and her. The US jeweller was inspired by love to create the signature fragrance, led by perfumers Sophie Labbé and Nicolas Beaulieu, fusing similar ingredients within each fragrance (meaning you can wear his, too). The fragrance for him has top notes including ginger, mandarin and cardamom oils with a woody base of sandalwood, vetiver and blue sequoia (the signature ingredient found in both fragrances). A nice light and well-rounded fragrance - and of course, it comes in Tiffany blue too.
The hype: ‘Whether you prefer fruity florals or soft and spicy scents, and even if you want to go matchy-matchy with a loved one (no judgement when the fragrances are this chic) there’s little not to adore about this Tiffany & Love duo. I’ll be wearing For Him as a cosy ease-me-into Autumn scent and displaying both in my bedroom in their Tiffany & Co. tubes. Who knows, it might give the other half some little blue box shaped ideas in time for Christmas.” - Woman & Home
Spicebomb Eau de Toilette
Scent type: Woody and spicy
The design alone is enough to grab your attention—but as for the fragrance itself? Inside the iconic bottle designed by Victor&Rolf lies an equally unique scent with a mix of woody notes and spicy chilli contrasted with fresh bergamot and grapefruit. Despite the fact it’s an eau de toilette, one spritz comes with an explosion of flavour and lasts for hours. The result? A seriously spicy but zesty concoction and eye-catching bottle perfect for the guy looking for something a little different...
The hype: “I feel like Spicebomb is a scent you either love or hate. While it’s not for everyone, the fragrance is a must-have for spice-heads. On one hand, it’s loaded with chili, saffron, tobacco and vetiver; on the other, it’s soothed by bergamot citrus and grapefruit. And the grenade-shaped bottle is a testament to that explosion of scents.” - Dan Q. Dao, Forbes
Eros Eau de Toilette
Scent type: Woody oriental
There is nothing simplistic about this aftershave—the bottle alone looks like a work of art with Eros, the God of love, taking centre stage across it. And as for the scent? Combining everything from floral to citrus notes, fresh and fruity, sweet and woody notes, it has the best of every flavour; mint leaves, Italian lemon zest and green apple on a base of vanilla and darker notes of cedar wood. Light and fresh but with an edge, this long-lasting eau de toilette was made for someone looking for something extra special.
The hype: “This cologne provided a beautifully delicate scent that wasn't at all overpowering and the fragrance lasted all day. My husband didn't have to continuously reapply it which is great and the combination of mint, cedar wood and other sexy scents is just perfect for everyday use.” - Maria, customer review.
Toy Boy Eau de Parfum
Scent type: Spicy
Always served with a side of irony, the iconic Toy Boy embodies everything we love about Moschino—fun, daring and playful. So naturally, Jeremy Scott, the designer known for experimental fashion, decided to house the fragrance in a teddy bear shaped bottle. The scent is more complex and serious with spicy notes, amber tip, pink berries and Indonesian nutmeg, rose and magnolia. If you’re looking for something cost-effective and unique—make Toy Boy top of the list.
The hype: “There’s no misinterpreting the playful and provocative DNA of Jeremy Scott’s vision of the modern Moschino man. Toy Boy, the house’s latest masculine scent plays up to these traits both in its choice of iconic ‘fetish-teddy’ atomiser and its unexpected but well-chosen list of ingredients.” GQ