It is easy to assume that the only difference between colognes and perfumes is that perfumes typically refer to female fragrances, while colognes characterize male scents. The fragrance formula is, in fact, the key differentiating factor — and the percentage perfume oil and notes in the formula are what set them apart.
Perfumes typically contain about 25% perfume oil, while colognes are much lighter, with an oil content around 2% — 4%. This can also explain the preference between the sexes: women like fragrances that linger longer on their skin, while most men prefer a subtler, understated scent.
The first cologne was created in Germany — in the city of Cologne — as an alternative to the heavier perfumes manufactured in France. This lighter fragrance had notes of lemon, bergamot, orange, and neroli — and the amazing aroma smelled like a bright morning after the rain. Traditional colognes emblematic of this era also contained notes like petitgrain, lavender, rosemary, jasmine, and tobacco.
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Discover the quintessential colognes for him
Colognes have unique characteristics that set them apart from perfumes. These lighter fragrances contain notes that are typical of the formula — often with a twist here and there. Let’s explore some of the best colognes on the market.
1. Dime No. 1 Cologne EDT
Dime No. 1 Cologne EDT celebrates masculine aromas like sandalwood, bergamot, and musk. This citrus aromatic fragrance pays tribute to the original cologne with zesty notes blending with herbaceous florals and deep woods. When it comes to colognes vs perfumes, this male fragrance keeps its aromas quintessentially male. Try Dime No. 1 Cologne EDT NOW!
2. Acqua Di Parma Colonia Eau De Cologne
Acqua Di Parma Colonia Eau De Cologne was created in 1916 and is celebrated as one of the original Italian colognes. The scent was adored by celebrities — male and female. Today, the scent has a stronger masculine appeal and charms with its notes of citrus, jasmine, amber, and light musk. This iconic eau de cologne perfectly differentiates itself in the cologne vs perfume debate. Try Acqua Di Parma Colonia Eau De Cologne NOW!
3. Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme EDT
Bulgari Aqua Pour Homme EDT pays homage to the original eau de cologne with notes of juicy mandarin, petitgrain, and lavender. The addition of seaweed, amber, and clary sage gives this male fragrance an identity of its own. Celebrate the difference between colognes vs perfumes with this breathtaking aquatic men’s cologne. Try Bulgari Aqua Pour Homme EDT NOW!
4. Versace Man Eau Fraiche EDT
Versace Man Eau Fraiche EDT is a modern take on the original eau de cologne. Eau Fraiche adds rosewood and cedar to the cologne-like aromas of lemon, cedar, musk, and amber. This vibrant new take on what a cologne can be makes the distinction between cologne vs perfume crystal clear. The comforting base adds a must-have sense of allure. Try Versace Man Eau Fraiche EDT NOW!
5. Dolce & Gabbana K EDT
Dolce & Gabbana K EDT honors the heritage of colognes while adopting newness in perfumery. The scent respects the tradition of the cologne with Sicilian lemon, blood orange, and lavender while adding notes like geranium, patchouli, vetiver, and clary sage. This cologne sets itself apart in the cologne vs perfume debate with its distinctly male character. Try Dolce & Gabbana K EDT NOW!
6. Burberry For Men EDT
Burberry For Men EDT keeps it classic with notes of lavender, bergamot, thyme, and jasmine. This manly scent is an iconic cologne in its own right — launching in 1995 and standing the test of time. The scent holds your attention with the captivating addition of vanilla and musk. When it comes to colognes vs perfumes, this masculine scent imbues most of the traditional (and alluring!) cologne characteristics. Try Burberry For Men EDT NOW!
7. Lacoste Essential EDT
Lacoste Essential EDT exudes a unique aroma thanks to notes like tomato leaves, cassis, black pepper, and rose. The base, brimming with notes like sandalwood and patchouli, guides your senses on this extraordinary olfactive journey. This scent may be different, but when it comes to colognes vs perfumes, it honors the heritage of masculine colognes. Try Lacoste Essential EDT NOW!
8. Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme EDT
Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme EDT Features elements of the original colognes like citrus and tobacco, but keeps things fresh with mesmerizing spicy notes like clary sage, coriander, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Various woods add to the cologne’s uniqueness but ultimately, in the cologne vs perfume debate, this scent is emblematic of masculine colognes. Try Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme EDT NOW!
9. Gucci Guilty Pour Homme EDT
Gucci Guilty Pour Homme EDT takes the idea of fresh colognes to a new level with notes of bright lemon, lavender, and orange flower. This alluring scent adds earthy notes like dry cedar and patchouli to give the scent a sensual quality, while allowing the typical cologne aromas to shine. When it comes to colognes vs perfumes, this fragrance has a distinctly male composition. Try Gucci Guilty Pour Homme EDT NOW!
10. Burberry London For Men EDT
Burberry London For Men EDT combines the essential cologne aromas of bergamot, lavender, and tobacco leaf with modern accords. This scent brims with notes that provide a new take on colognes like cinnamon, mimosa, and leather. This cologne brings you the best of both worlds: timeless aromas from years gone by fusing with modern notes that add freshness. Try Burberry London For Men EDT NOW!
11. Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue Pour Homme EDT
Pay homage to the original cologne with an iconic blast of lemon and rosemary in Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue Pour Homme EDT. The scent steps into its own with the addition of pepper, musk, incense, and oak moss — delivering a one-of-a-kind fragrance. When it comes to colognes vs perfumes, this scent delivers on cologne-like aromas. Try Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue Pour Homme EDT NOW!
* Now that you have explored the difference between colognes vs perfumes, discover how to choose between an eau de parfum (EDP) and an eau de toilette (EDT). If you want to explore more men’s fragrances, discover the top 10 most popular colognes for men.
