Best perfumes for men

Best men’s perfume? Discover your new niche scent at Perfume Lounge

Looking for the best men’s perfume to make an unforgettable impression? At Perfume Lounge in Amsterdam, we don’t just showcase fragrances, but offer unique perfumes that perfectly highlight your personality. No mainstream choices, only exclusive, refined niche scents that radiate subtlety and class. These are our most popular men’s perfumes.

 

Mens perfume top 10: Our curation for the modern man

The honest answer to the question of what the best men’s perfume is, is that ‘the best’ is subjective. Still, some fragrances stand out because of their masterful composition and popularity among our customers. We have curated a selection ranging from fresh and approachable to complex and dark. Here is our selection, based on quality, boutique popularity, and unique characteristics:

 

Marc-Antoine Barrois - Ganymede

Without a doubt, a modern icon. This fragrance is built around mandarin, violet, and immortelle, resting on a base of suede and minerals. It is fresh, yet in a completely new, almost metallic and chic way. An absolute bestseller.

 

Maison Francis Kurkdjian - Gentle Fluidity Silver

For the man who loves freshness, but with depth. Juniper berries and nutmeg create an aromatic gin-and-tonic vibe, while the amberwood base leaves a lasting impression.

 

Nasomatto - Black Afgano

For the daredevil. Black Afgano is a dark, smoky fragrance that plays with notes of cannabis and oud. It is intense, mysterious, and not for the shy.

 

BDK Parfums - Gris Charnel

A beautiful woody fragrance combining fig, black tea, and sandalwood. It is creamy, refined, and perfect for both the office and a date night.

 

Orto Parisi - Megamare

The ultimate aquatic fragrance, but dark and powerful. Where other sea scents are often fleeting, Megamare lasts for days. A tribute to the untamed ocean.

 

Obvious Parfums - Un Bois

Looking for purity? Un Bois is a crisp, dry woody fragrance with cedarwood and vetiver. Minimalist and perfect for daily wear.

 

Azman - Majnoon

A unique and intriguing fragrance that captures the essence of oriental mystique. Majnoon combines coffee and pomegranate with warm, spicy accents and a deep woody base of oudh. Ideal for men who dare to stand out.

 

Caron - Pour Un Homme

A timeless classic since 1934, combining lavender and vanilla. For the gentleman who appreciates tradition and gentle elegance.

 

Houbigant - Fougère Royale

The fragrance that defined the fougère genre. Fougère Royale offers a fresh, green opening with lavender and bergamot, followed by a warm woody base. Perfect for the classic man with a modern twist.

 

Nicolaï - Bois Belize

A refined woody fragrance combining exotic sandalwood with fresh citrus notes and subtle spices. Bois Belize is elegant, warm, and highly wearable for daily use.

 

Top 10 men’s scents: trends for 2025 and 2026

Looking at searches for men’s fragrances, there is a clear shift in trends. Where heavy powerhouses or simple citrus scents used to dominate, the modern man now looks for contrast. Some trends we see in our Amsterdam boutique include:

 

Minerals and ozone: Inspired by Ganymede, men increasingly look for scents that smell of air, stone, or metal. Fresh, but not in a citrus way.

 

Gourmand with a twist: Sweet fragrances are no longer just for women. Vanilla, tonka bean, and even chocolate or coffee are gaining popularity in men’s fragrances, often blended with smoky leather or tobacco to keep them masculine. Examples include Ambre Rubis and Vanille Imperiale by Houbigant.

 

Skin scents: Fragrances that don’t fill a room, but are only noticeable up close. Intimate, soft, and musky. A perfect example is SALLE PRIVÉE Le Temps Perdu.

 

At Perfume Lounge, we follow these trends by selecting brands that innovate. We look beyond the hype and focus on the quality of ingredients. Trends are fun, but a perfume should still be fascinating after three hours of wear.

 

How to find the best men’s perfume for you

Finding the best men’s perfume is a personal journey. What smells amazing on your best friend may react differently on your skin due to skin chemistry, diet, and hormones. That’s why we always advise trying it on your own skin.

 

In our boutique, we take the time to get to know you. We ask questions: What are you wearing now? What scents do you enjoy in daily life, like freshly cut grass, old books, or the sea? What occasion is it for? Based on your answers, we select a few options. We don’t believe in ‘quick sniff tests’. We spray, wait, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and let the fragrance reveal itself. Not near Amsterdam? No problem. Our online webshop provides detailed descriptions, and you can always call or email us with questions.

 

In-depth: Fragrance families for men

To truly understand what you are looking for, it helps to speak the language of perfume. Men’s fragrances are often divided into families. Knowing which family appeals to you makes finding the best men’s perfume much easier.

 

Woody: Often the backbone of men’s perfumery. Think cedarwood, sandalwood and oudh. These scents convey reliability, warmth, and strength. Example: BDK Parfums Gris Charnel.

 

Fougère: The classic ‘barbershop’ scent. Fresh, spicy, and clean, often with lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin. Timeless and elegant. Example: Houbigant Fougère Royale.

 

Amber: Sensual, warm, and often sweet. Ingredients like vanilla, resins, amber, and spices dominate. Perfect for evening and winter. Example: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir.

 

Leather: Bold, smoky, and animalic. Evokes luxury car interiors, old libraries, or a biker jacket. Example: Malin + Goetz Leather, Orto Parisi Cuoium.

 

Citrus / Aquatic: Energetic and fresh. Bergamot, lemon, and sea notes. Great for summer, but often made more complex in niche perfumery with musk or wood. Example: Orto Parisi Megamare.

 

Frequently asked questions about men’s perfumes

 

What is the difference between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum?
It’s all about the concentration of fragrance oils. An Eau de Toilette (EdT) is lighter and often fades faster, perfect for summer or the office. An Eau de Parfum (EdP) or Extrait de Parfum is more concentrated, lasts longer, and often has more depth.

 

How should I apply perfume?

Less is more, especially with quality brands. Spray on warm areas of the body: wrists, behind ears, and neck. Don’t rub your wrists together. This warms the skin, making the top notes fade faster. 

 

Can men wear floral fragrances?

Absolutely. In the niche world, the line between men’s and women’s fragrances blurs. A rose combined with oud or leather can be incredibly masculine and powerful. Don’t follow the label, trust your nose.