Classic Men's Cologne Buying Guide

What's the masculine equivalent of Chanel No. 5?  Everyone's opinion of a true "classic" might vary, but the norm is that anything that has genuine appeal and that has lasted more than 10 years is officially a classic. Throughout the years, many older colognes  have still managed to stay in production and continue to be loved by a large majority of people. In homage to the great colognes that have graced the shelves for all these years, here is a guide to the classics.

Oldies but Goodies

Old Spice by Procter & Gamble  The popularity of this cologne, first marketed in 1938, cannot be argued. As the name suggests, it has a spicy muskiness to it that includes notes of orange, lemon, cinnamon, vanilla and musk.	Caron Pour Un Homme by Caron  This scent originated in 1934 and contains lighter, flowery notes that make for a sweeter smelling cologne. Lavender, rosemary, lemon, rose, cedarwood, musk and moss make up the fragrance notes in this scent.	Dunhill for Men by Alfred Dunhill  Launched in 1934, this cologne contains fresh notes of lemon, lavender, carnation, cedarwood and leather. Though this scent is older, it can still be bought on most fragrance websites as well as other newer colognes by Dunhill.	Canoé by Dana  This classic scent was created in 1932 and has a clean spiciness to it that is recommended for use during the daytime. Notes of lemon, oakmoss and citrus help to complement this aroma.	Knize Ten by Knize  This fragrance is definitely an oldie from 1924 but still remains popular. It has notes of bergamot, lemon, cedarwood, rose, leather, musk and vanilla for a full and heavy scent.

Forties and Fifties

Vétiver by Creed  This fragrance originated in 1948 and has woodsy notes complimented by cedar and ginger. It's updated version, Creed Original Vetiver, debuted in 2004 and uses green and citrusy scents such as ginger and mandarin.	Moustache by Rochas  This was launched in 1948 and helps to give a man that musky, woodsy fragrance. Notes of basil, lemon verbena, jasmine, amber, musk, oakmoss and cedar help to make this a classic cologne that stands the test of time.	Chanel Pour Monsieur by Chanel  This perfume was designed in 1955 and lasts all day long with multiple notes such as lemon verbena, orange, cardamom, basil, ginger and an oaky finish.	Royall Lyme by Royall Lyme of Bermuda  Hailing from 1957, this is a spicy, fruity scent that, as you may have guessed, uses lime as one of its main notes. The result is fragrant nutmeg and clove mixed with the lighter aroma of citrus fruit.	Tabac Original by Mäurer & Wirtz  Created in 1959, this is a casual fragrance that has been perfected for daytime use. Notes of bergamot, lavender, tobacco, oakmoss and vanilla give this cologne a nice, light scent.

Sixties and Seventies

Aramis by Aramis  This product was developed in 1964 and has a lighter scent complimented by notes of bergamot oil, myrtle oil, sandalwood, patchouli and tree moss.	Brut by Fabergé  Designed especially for the tough man in 1964, notes of lavender, anise, basil, sandalwood and oakmoss give this cologne an extra woodsy and rugged scent.	Habit Rouge by Guerlain  This fragrance was established in 1965 and combines spicy with sweet for a classical scent experience. Notes of lemon, carnation, cinnamon, rose, vanilla and leather give this fragrance a kick.	YSL pour Homme by Yves Saint Laurent  This fragrance originated in 1971 and is light and woody enough to wear daily. Lemon and herbs in addition to woodsy and nutmeg notes make this cologne pleasing enough to smell all day long.	Paco Rabanne pour Homme by Paco Rabanne  This fragrance, developed in 1974, has unique notes of honey, geranium, laurel, rosemary and sage, giving it a sweet, woodsy scent.

Eighties and Beyond

Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche  This scent was developed in 1992 and is recommended for casual wear. It has notes of lavender, citrus, spicy berries, and sandalwood.	Quorum by Antonio Puig  A bold Spanish scent developed in 1982, this fragrance features notes of bergamot, artemisia, cyclamen,  pine, moss, grapefruit, leather and cumin.	Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein  Developed in 1986, this scent is low key enough for daytime wear. Mandarin, spice, sandalwood and amber are just some of the notes that complement this scent.	Cool Water by Davidoff  Launched in 1988, this fresh fougere (fragrance with a base of lavender and oakmoss) scent for men contains notes of peppermint, rosemary, orange blossom, jasmine, cedar and amber.	Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani  This scent originated in 1995 and combines light floral scents with fruity and musky notes. Sandalwood, hyacinth, rose, melon and pear are just some of the notes in this cologne.

Related Guides

Fragrances	Classic Women's Perfumes	Fragrance Gifts	Cologne

External Links

• Basenotes.net: Everything you want to know about fragrance including a listing of fragrance notes in many products out on the market.