In the spring, you might want to opt for a cologne that’s light and fresh. Here are 20 great spring colognes to consider.
Even if you have yet to feel an actual thaw outside, now is the time to make a change in your fragrance wardrobe too – and go for something fresher and more seasonal.
So, what makes a great Spring cologne? The best-smelling men’s colognes this season are light, fresh and fragrant, not too heavy or cloying.
We think you’ll like the following examples, so go ahead, try something new. Be adventurous and put some sunshine on your skin.
It will change your whole outlook.
Here’s our roundup of the freshest men’s fragrances for Spring 2023. They’re not all brand new on the market, but they’re perfect to try out as you look forward to enjoying the warmer weather.
We’re including each cologne’s specific fragrance notes which may help you decide if it could be the right one for you.
Don’t be intimidated by some of the over-the-top fragrance reviews you’ll see online that wax lyrical (or otherwise) about top, middle and base notes.
You’ll find that fragrance critics are right up there with wordy wine snobs in terms of their flowery language.
Here’s a simple primer. The top notes are what you smell first, the first initial impression of a fragrance: the base notes are bolder and they’re what remains after you’ve applied it to your skin.
The middle notes, usually fruity or floral, form the heart of the fragrance, tying the compounds together to give you a combination of top and base notes connecting in a consolidated fragrance.
Quick Take
Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best spring colognes you can buy right now:
Tom Ford Grey Vetiver was launched in 2009. With vetiver as the dominant theme, it opens with citrus notes of grapefruit, orange blossom, and sage. You’ll like this bold, sunny, salty, woody, citrus-y recipe.
Versace Man Eau Fraiche is light, refreshing and perfect for the weekend, after your workout shower or after a long hike outdoors. Eau Fraîche is French for “fresh water” and it is generally categorized in the “woody aquatic” fragrance family.
Aventus has a sweet, fruity blast which lowers into a woodsy, masculine, long-lasting fragrance. Sophisticated and contemporary, you can wear this any time of the year, but Spring is a good time to start.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
The 20 Best Men’s Colognes for Spring 2023
Here are some of our perennial Spring favorites…
Bleu De Chanel Cologne
Originally created by French master perfumier Jacques Polge and launched in 2010, Bleu De Chanel has fast become a top go-to men’s fragrance when you’re transitioning into warmer seasons.
It is fresh, crisp, citrusy, yet is has a seductive opening into a deeper, woody, incense stage.
- Top notes: Grapefruit, Lemon, Pink Pepper, Mint, Nutmeg
- Middle Notes: Jasmine, Ginger, Cedarwood, Vetiver
- Base notes: Frankincense, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Labdanum
A top seller since its launch, Bleu De Chanel is masculine and aromatic, yet clean.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
If you are hankering after the smell of the sea, sun, salt and citrus, then Light Blue is the Spring fragrance for you.
It has a light apple and ocean smell which will have you longing for those outdoor days on the beach and in the garden.
- Top Notes; Sicilian Mandarin, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Juniper, Granny Smith Apple
- Middle Notes: Brazilian Rosewood, Rosemary, Pepper
- Base Notes: Musk Oakmoss
It is a light, “soft-spoken” fragrance and it is non-lingering, so you won’t offend your co-workers or overpower your significant other.
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
No list would be complete without a Tom Ford fragrance. The former designer at Gucci has a stunning portfolio of almost 100 phenomenally successful fragrances for just about every taste.
“I think fragrance might be more important than clothes,” he once told an interviewer.
Neroli is an essential oil distilled from the flowers of the Seville orange and Neroli Portofino has a fresh, clean, sweet, orangey fragrance.
- Top Notes: Tunisian Neroli, Bergamot, lemon, Mandarin, Lavender, Myrtle, Rosemary, Bitter Orange
- Middle Notes: African Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Neroli, Pittosporum
- Base Notes: Amber, Ambrette Seed, Angelica
Think cool breezes, lounging on the beach in the Italian Riviera and you’ll have it. It is pricey but worth it.
Versace Man Eau Fraîche
The name says it all. Eau Fraîche is French for “fresh water” – and it is generally categorized in the “woody aquatic” fragrance family.
It is light, refreshing but not overly long-lasting, so you’ll have to apply it often to maintain the scent on your skin.
- Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Rosewood, Carambola (Star Fruit)
- Middle Notes: Green Apple, Calone, Tarragon, Pepper
- Base Notes: Melon, Ambroxan (musky, woody, yet soft fragrance), Cedarwood
Perfect for the weekend, after your workout shower or after a long hike outdoors.
Hermès Terre d’Hermès
Close your eyes. Now think of an orange grove in Tuscany, the musky smell of the earth and that distinctive aroma of ozone as a big rainstorm gets ready to roll in.
That’s what Hermes Terre d’Hermès smells like. It will whisk you away in an instant to thoughts of warmer climes.
- Top Notes: Grapefruit, Orange
- Middle Notes: Flint, Pepper, Pink Peppercorn
- Base Notes; Geranium leaves, Patchouli, Baies Rose
This cologne is sweet and pungent, then gives a peppery zing.
Prada L’Homme Water Splash
What better name for a Spring into Summer fragrance? Introduced last year, Water Splash is a light, slightly powdery smelling cologne that will remind you of a relaxing day outdoors.
It is delicate with a lively, slightly bitter, citrus, refreshing fruitiness.
- Top Notes: Neroli, Mandarin Leaf, Cardamom
- Middle Notes: Ginger, Iris
- Base Notes: Amber, Sandalwood, Cedarwood
If you want something fresh and a little spicy yet subtle, this is a good choice.
Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day
It’s refreshing. It’s invigorating. It will have you thinking about a cool ocean breeze as you set out for a relaxing day of sailing.
Replica Sailing Day is crisp, smooth and clean. It’s a fragrance you can wear into summer.
- Top Notes: Aquatic Accord (blend of two or more fragrance notes), Aldehydes Accord, Juniper Pure Jungle Essence
- Middle Notes: Coriander, Iris, Rose Super Essence
- Base Notes: Red Seaweed, Ambergris Accord, Orcanox (main fragrance component of ambergris)
Imagine diving into a clear blue ocean and you’ll understand the feeling.
Dior Sauvage
One of the most popular, best-selling (and best-smelling!) colognes around, Dior Sauvage has a masculine, outdoors-y scent.
You’ll think of blue sky, grass, rugged mountains and sun. Distinctive, but not overpowering, Dior Sauvage is perfect for a Spring day as you enjoy the outdoors after a long, cold winter.
- Top notes: Pepper, Bergamot
- Middle Notes: Geranium, Lavender, Patchouli, Pink Pepper, Sichuan Pepper, Elemi, Vetiver
- Base notes: Ambroxan (Ambergris), Cedar, Labdanum
Woody, citrus scent with top notes of pepper and bergamot. Apparently, it is a great favorite with women, and not just because of the brand’s Johnny Depp commercial.
Giorgio Armani – Armani Code
Citrus, powdery, fresh yet masculine. Armani Code is elegant, powerful and understated, like a true gentleman.
This cologne is in the Spicy Oriental Amber family and its first impression is of a deep citrus burst of sweet bergamot and lemon followed by floral olive, vanilla and spicy anise with a distinctly powdery scent.
- Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Black Pepper
- Middle Notes: Olive Flower, Star Anise, Vanilla
- Base Notes: Guiac Wood, Tonka Bean, Amber, Labdanum
Its base notes will have you thinking of rich leather and earthy honey. Great for a Spring night out on the town, as it is not too overpowering.
Creed Aventus Cologne
Finally, we don’t think our list would be complete without Creed Aventus.
Yes, it’s expensive, but we just had to include it. Yes, its launch was overhyped and yes there are plenty of knock offs, but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, isn’t it?
Creed is one of the oldest fragrance houses around; it was founded in 1760 and passed down from father to son and their fragrances are mostly mixed and made by hand, carrying on in the strictest family tradition.
Aventus has a sweet, fruity blast which lowers into a woodsy, masculine, long-lasting fragrance.
- Top notes: Blackcurrant, Bergamot, French Apple, Pineapple
- Middle Notes: Rose, Dry Birch, Moroccan Jasmine, Patchouli
- Base Notes: Musk, Oakmoss, Ambergris, Vanilla
Sophisticated and contemporary, you can wear this any time of the year, but Spring is a good time to start. We think it deserves a mention because, well, it just smells so darn good.
Azzaro Chrome by Loris Azzaro
A fresh and energetic scent, Azzaro Chrome is just made for spring. It features top notes of lemon, rosemary, pineapple, bergamot, and neroli, balanced by a heart of jasmine, oakmoss, cyclamen, coriander, and white musk.
Base notes are cedar, sandalwood, cardamom, rosewood, and tonka bean.
Citrusy, aromatic.
Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme
A classic aquatic fragrance, Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme is a light and refreshing scent launched in 2005.
It is well suited for the warmer weather, with top notes of bergamot, mandarin, and petitgrain, middle notes of seaweed, lavender, and cotton flower, and base notes of cedar, patchouli, clary sage, and amber. Wear it every day and enjoy the compliments.
Aromatic, aquatic.
Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme
Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme is a clean and crisp fragrance.
Its middle notes are yuzu, lemon, bergamot, verbena, mandarin orange, sage, and tarragon; middle notes are blue lotus, nutmeg, lily-of-the-valley, saffron, geranium, cinnamon, and mignonette; base notes are vetiver, musk, cedar, sandalwood, tobacco, and amber.
Despite some unusual, (perhaps over-abundant ingredients) this is nevertheless a light and refreshing scent that has a pleasing balance.
Woody, aquatic.
Givenchy Gentlemen Only
A sophisticated fragrance for the mature man, Givenchy Gentlemen Only is a classic fragrance that doesn’t go overboard.
It’s the kind of fragrance to keep as a ‘wardrobe’ staple. With top notes of bergamot, pink peppercorn, green mandarin, and nutmeg, middle notes of vetiver, patchouli, and violet leaf, and base notes of incense and musk, it is notwithstanding a light, pleasing scent you can dab on every day.
Woody, classic.
Jo Malone Orange Blossom
If you love the citrusy aroma of orange blossom, this one is a no-brainer. It is a pretty, unisex fragrance with top notes of neroli, tangerine blossom, and bergamot.
Middle notes are orange blossom, lilac, and water lily, and base notes are iris and vetiver.
It’s a bright, invigorating, sweet scent. You’re sure to be asked what cologne you’re wearing.
Floral.
Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani
This one has been around in various iterations since 1996. It’s super popular and successful, spawning a bunch of flankers, but we still love it. Acqua di Gio has become a timeless classic. It’s fresh. It’s aquatic and it’s appealing.
It has top notes of bergamot, lemon, lime, jasmine, bergamot, neroli, and mandarin, middle notes of sea notes, jasmine, calone, peach, freesia, rosemary, hyacinth, cyclamen, coriander, violet, nutmeg, rose and mignonette.
Base notes are white musk, cedar, oakmoss, patchouli, and amber.
There’s a lot thrown into this recipe, but it works. It’s a light and refreshing scent that’s perfect for everyday wear. ‘The scent of freedom, the wind and the water’ according to Giorgio himself. You need to get some.
Aromatic, aquatic
Paco Rabanne Invictus
A bold and fresh fragrance, Paco Rabanne Invictus was launched in 2013. Its top notes are grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin, and middle notes of bay leaf and jasmine.
Base notes are ambergris, guaiac wood, oakmoss and patchouli.
You’ll find this a sporty, dynamic fragrance that celebrates energy and power. Wake yourself up with this one.
Aquatic, fresh
Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
This fragrance was launched in 2009. With vetiver as the dominant theme, it opens with citrus notes of grapefruit, orange blossom, and sage.
Middle notes are orris root, nutmeg and… pimento? (Who would have guessed?).
Base notes comprise vetiver, woody notes, oakmoss, and amber.
If you are a Tom Ford fan — and who isn’t? — you’ll like this bold, sunny, salty, woody, citrus-y recipe. (You have to like vetiver, though).
Woody, spicy.
Le Labo Baie 19
A crisp, timeless, unisex fragrance, launched in 2019. Think nature, rainforests, the ocean, and the beach. It’s the juniper berry, patchouli, and green leaf notes that take you there.
Its top notes are juniper and patchouli, its middle notes are musk and green leaves, and its base notes are ozonic notes, and ambroxan. Share it with your significant other. Crisp, aquatic.
Aqua Di Parma – Blu Mediterraneo Arancia Di Capri
Budget this year but still can’t quite stretch to a tip to the Italian Riviera? Don’t worry — this cologne will transport you to the island of Capri in a hot minute. It’s that fruity, fresh, juicy, nautical, and tropical.
It opens with orange, mandarin, bergamot, and lemon.
Middle notes are petitgrain and cardamom and base notes are caramel and musk. Deliciously orangey.
Citrus, aromatic.
Conclusion
There you have it. Some of the best-smelling colognes for men this Spring with notes on what to expect from each one.
We think you’re sure to find something to wake up your senses and put a spring in your step.
So go ahead, give yourself some sunshine.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
Light Blue is hands down my favorite cologne that my husband wears! I agree that it’s more of a springtime scent, but he ends up wearing it throughout summer and into fall as well because of how much I like it. 🙂
On a daily basis, I use a combination of alunite-based deodorant with a low-key, amber-scented cologne from the local drugstore. The result is not only budget-friendly, but healthy and long-lasting. For special occasions, I have been using Calvin Klein´s Eternity for Men for decades, otherwise the French “Eau de Baux” from L´Occitane en Provence – don´t know if you guys can buy this in the US, but it reminds me a lot of the Hollister cologne. Having said that, I have never felt the need to adjust my fragrance to the season.
Davidoff – Cool Water always get favorable comments.
Hope you’ll have time to also recommend scented SOAPS for men. Thanks.