Scientists have discovered that love at first sight might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Recent studies have shown that love at first smell might bee a much more valid statement. Scientists at Cardiff University have found that women use smell to identify genetically suitable partners. In a nutshell, a man’s genetics make him smell a certain way and women are hard-wired to sniff out men who have different immunity genes. Finding a partner with opposing immune genes means that their offspring will have immunity against a wider range of diseases.

Given that studies have shown the importance of smell, making a great first impression might come down to wearing the right scent. But picking out the right cologne isn’t enough–you have to know how to wear it. Every woman remembers that one guy who wore too much cologne. It’s important that the cologne you wear is refreshing and not overpowering. Being suffocated by a scent, even if it’s really nice, can be really annoying. Check out our list of the top 5 men’s colognes and remember to keep it light and masculine.

1. Acqua Di Parma

Acque di Parma is a light, natural fragrance that successfully melds citrus and floral notes in a genuinely masculine way. This scent is classic, clean and natural. It’s a bit pricey because of all it’s natural ingredients which include Bulgarian Rose, Lavender, Verbana and Sicilian citrus fruits. One one hand it’s smells like citrus, with notes of lemon, sweet orange, bitter orange and bergamot. The citrus scent gives it a fresh, energetic feel. The other half is floral which gives it a relaxing tone. English lavender, Bulgarian rose and verbena lends a very relaxing feel to the cologne, while notes of Clary Sage, Rosemary, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver and Oakmoss balances the light fragrance with a heaviness that’s distinctly masculine.

2. Emporio He

My personal favourite of our collection of top men’s colognes is the Emporio He by Armani. It might just be me, but I absolutely love this scent. I haven’t yet found a cologne that’s comparable to this one. What’s even better is that it’s highly affordable considering it’s from Armani. Emporio He is every bit masculine. It has a deep, sensual tone that somehow successfully feels powerfully masculine without being overbearing. It retains a lightness that is really amazing and it is very refined. It has an overall woody, green scent with notes of Cardamom, Japanese Yuzu, Mediterranean Sage, Cedar, Sandlewood, Vetiver, Guaiacum and Musk. Exotic and resolutely masculine, this scent is my absolute favourite men’s cologne.

3. Eternity

Eternity cologne by Calvin Klein has been a classic staple in cologne for decades, with good reason. No other cologne has been able to capture Eternity’s uniquely clean scent. It’s scent can be characterized as aromatic and fruity, but very masculine and light at the same time. Few colognes have been able to capture the magic that Eternity has–it was a hit when it came out in 1989 and is still one of the most popular colognes out there. It smells very clean, refreshing, relaxing and fresh with notes of Mandarin, Lavender, Jasmine, Basil, Sandlewood and Vetiver. A truly classic cologne, Eternity has managed to continue to smell fresh and new after 21 years of success. If you’re looking for a cologne and absolutely do not know what you like, Eternity is place to start.

4. Cool Water

Like the name suggests, Cool Water by Davidoff evokes a feeling that is resolutely refreshing, exhilarating, clean and invigorating. It’s a unique approach to men’s colognes in that it’s extremely light and clean. It carries notes of Lavender, Jasmine, Oakmoss, Musk, Sandlewood, Menthe, Citrus, Pineapple and Iris. It’s scent gives you the fresh feeling of an ocean breeze, wet air and dew. The Menthe and Pineapple gives Cool Water a uniquely brisk scent. This is the perfect fragrance to put on for a night on the town, after a hard day’s work. Of all the colognes listed, Cool Water is the most energizing and is sure to revitalize anyone who wears it. Like a fresh shower, Cool Water gives on the feeling of renewal and energy.

5. Stetson

And finally, rounding off our top 5 list of men’s colognes is Stetson cologne. Stetson is a classic American scent and evokes feelings of the great outdoors, ruggedness and adventure. Stetson is the heaviest of all the colognes listed so it would be wise not to overdo this cologne. It has a distinctly woody smell to it with a bit of spice. It’s Cool Water anti-thesis–where Cool Water is light and refreshing, Stetson is masculine and rich. There’s a mix of woody notes with oriental spices and citrus that makes it a unique mix that smells amazing. It’s recommended for evening wear because if it’s richness.

Did you know?

Scientists at Cardiff University have found that women use smell to identify genetically suitable partners. In a nutshell, a man’s genetics make him smell a certain way and women are hard-wired to sniff out men who have different immunity genes. Finding a partner with opposing immune genes means that their offspring will have immunity against a wider range of diseases.

-Miljean

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