All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.

However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.

Smell makes a lasting impression, sometimes hitting you before the visual does.

A collage of cologne bottles on a burnt red background

Collage: Gabrielle Castrillon; Source images: Courtesy of brands

While Santal 33 is still as omnipresent as ever, we prefer The Matcha.

Not unlike matcha in Japanese culture, theres a sense of sophisticated polish to this.

Affordable and not overbearing, its a scent youll likely love smelling over and over again.

Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 Eau de Parfum bottle of perfume with silver cap on white background

Think of it as more of a passed note in class than a full-on Twitch broadcast.

Look no further than Bleu de Chanel.

Plus, it transitions from day to night quite well and is a great year-round scent.

Ralph Lauren Polo Black Eau de Toilette rounded square bottle of cologne on light gray background

Founder Ben Gorham takes a minimalist approach with his fragrances, favoring fewer but harmonious notes.

On the flip side,Mojave Ghost Alcohol-Freeis water-based for an easier-and-breezier scent.

Its subtle confidence, not overwhelming swagger, courtesy of its notes of amber, tonka, and cardamom.

Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne bottle of cologne with black cap on light gray background

& Durga Cowboy Grass Eau de Parfum

D.S.

Those earthier base notes eventually give way to thetop citrus ones, allowing for a fun juxtaposition.

Kilians Old Fashioned draws inspiration from the timeless drinkthink sweet and smooth with just the right amount of punch.

Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette square navy bottle of cologne on light gray background

Berenice Watteau, a DSM-Firmenich perfumer, concurs with the personal approach.

The most important thing is to find something that resonates with you, she tells us.

Scent is deeply personal, and it should evoke emotion or memory.

Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum in branded component on a light gray background

Watteau, meanwhile, offers up some practical app notes.

There are a few techniques to help extend the wear of your cologne, she informs us.

These areas generate heat, which helps diffuse the scent throughout the day.

Diptyque Eau Nabati Eau de Parfum oval bottle of perfume with gold plated label and black cap on light gray background

For even better longevity, layering is always suggested.

Spraying onto fabriccan also help, as textiles absorb fragrance differently than skin.

But above all, she stresses how you take care of the bottle and also informs its lifespan.

Tom Ford Noir Extreme Parfum gold rectangle bottle of cologne on light gray background

Storing your fragrance properly is keykeep it away from light and heat.

A well-preserved fragrance will always perform at its best.

Meet the experts

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Toilette navy square bottle of cologne on light gray background

D.S. & Durga Cowboy Grass Eau de Parfum bottle of yellow perfume with tall black cap on light gray background

Aesop Hwyl Eau de Parfum brown bottle of fragrance on light gray background

Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette in branded bottle component on a light gray background

Calvin Klein Eternity for Men Eau de Parfum bottle of green cologne with a silver spray cap on a light gray background

Kilian Paris Old Fashioned Eau de Parfum crystal ridged bottle of perfume on light gray background