These Crowd-Pleaser Colognes (All Vetted by Cosmo Editors) Are Perfect for Holiday Gifting
These scents will make them the best smelling person in any room.
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A cologne is the perfect gift for anyone: luxe, personal, and it also lets you subtly decide exactly how you want all the people in your life to smell. Whether you’re shopping for a dad who gravitates toward a timeless fragrance or a partner who loves something more skin-like and musky, Cosmo editors have you covered—we've sniffed out all the best colognes and know exactly which ones are worth gifting this year.
Our top picks for the best colognes of 2025:
And these scents are far from headache-inducing, overly pungent locker room-esque sprays—they're layered, unique, and something you might even be stealing to spray on yourself. We’ve rounded up everything from warm ambers to crisp citruses that he’ll actually want to wear, straight from our (and our partner's) very own shelves.
Ahead, you’ll find all the best colognes we’ve personally spritzed, loved, and would happily gift to anyone this holiday season.
Why we love it: Noir 29 instantly transports you to a luxe hotel lobby, with a spicy and warm scent that also gives a hint of fresh fig and bergamot. The genderless scent feels effortless and is super layerable, and it's sure to bring in many compliments.
- Key notes: Fig, bergamot, cedar, vetiver, musk, tobacco
One Cosmo editor says: "I go feral for fig notes in a perfume, so I'm not shocked that this spicy, black-tea fragrance is one of my top favorites from Le Labo. It's fresh and crisp, thanks to the bergamot and fig, but has a smooth warmth from musk and cedar. And ooooh, the tobacco note gives it a deep, smokier finish. I wear this when I wanna be wrapped up in a cozy cashmere blanket (or smell like I'm at the Edition—IYKYK)."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Why we love it: This fragrance is, quite literally, unforgettable. Its notes are the epitome of alluring, with spicy cinnamon, fizzy cola, and warm cedarwood creating a sexy, spicy scent. If you’re into a modern, masculine fragrance and want your partner to smell amazing at all times, this is the one to buy.
- Key notes: Cola, cinnamon, cedarwood
One Cosmo editor says: “If you want your giftee to be the best-smelling person in any room, trust me: this genderless scent is it. It’s warm with unexpected notes of cola and cinnamon that work to make a totally addictive scent. It smells like a spicy night out in a bottle. I wish you could spritz it through the screen and smell the magic for yourself—but you’ll just have to take my word for it and know that any recipient will be obsessed.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Why we love it: All of Dedcool's genderless scents are long-lasting and super unique. Fragrance 04 is earthy, vibrant, and a bit zesty thanks to notes of lemon and orange mixed with sandalwood, pepper, and fig.
- Key notes: Fig, pepper, lemon, orange, sandalwood, patchouli
One Cosmo editor says: "I love a citrus cologne on my boyfriend, and this one is crisp without having an overly orange smell. The fruity scents blend really nicely with the patchouli and sandalwood base notes to create an earthy and woody finish."—JH
Why we love it: We love so many of Maison Margiela's fragrances, but Jazz Club is ideal if you prefer a smoky and sultry scent. Each spritz feels like a little escape into an intimate night in a dimly lit bar.
- Key Notes: Pink pepper, rum, tobacco, vetiver
One cosmo editor says: "Jazz Club is packed with everything you’d expect in, well, a chic jazz club: rum, tobacco, creamy vanilla, spicy pink pepper, warm vetiver, and a jolt of citrus floating in your drink. It captures that speakeasy vibe perfectly—forbidden, deep, and utterly captivating.”—BG
Why we love it: A classic masculine fragrance, this cologne has notes of bergamot, honeysuckle, nutmeg, and patchouli that create a warm and earthy spritz. It's timeless and versatile, like the kind of fragrance that feels comforting in any season or for any occasion.
- Key notes: Bergamot, honeysuckle, cedar, sandalwood
One Cosmo editor says: "Dior Fahrenheit is what my dad has worn since the mid '90s almost exclusively, and I love giving people this scent as a sweet gesture because I only want the best people to smell like my dad. Anyway, it's a beautiful blend of smokey cedar and patchouli paired with a touch of honeysuckle, nutmeg, and tonka bean for a rounded sweetness. It's broody and strong, but also has some softness." —BG
Why we love it: Jo Malone's latest fragrance launch embodies all the woody and inviting holiday moments. With earthy sandalwood and cardamom, blended alongside vanilla and apricot, it's a nostalgic nod to sweet Christmas moments. Plus, the fresh bottle is super luxe.
- Key notes: Sandalwood, vanilla, cardamom, apricot
One Cosmo editor says: "Smelling as good as it sounds, the newly-launched Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot is full of warming notes that are perfect for the winter season. The scent rivals the comfort of a winter walk in the woods followed by the warmth of a mulled wine by the fireplace. In other words: the beauty equivalent of pure festive bliss, and a masterclass in peak winter luxury."—LIA MAPPOURA, BEAUTY WRITER
Why we love it: You can't go wrong with any of Byredo's chic Eau de Parfums, but Mojave Ghost is our personal favorites of the skin-esque scents. It's light, airy, and fresh, making it ideal for creating a personal signature scent that's versatile and wearable.
- Key notes: Ambrette, magnolia, sandalwood, cedar, amber
One Cosmo editor says: "If you’re looking to splurge on a signature scent and don’t know where to start, do yourself a favor and try this vibrant and long-lasting scent from Byredo. The fragrance is the perf combo of woody and floral—making it ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s date night or a day in the office, I promise this perfume will bring in alllll the compliments."—JH
Why we love it: Bleu de Chanel is effortlessly cool and classic, with a fresh scent profile that boasts notes of citrus, cedar, and sandalwood to make it clean, woody, and a little addictive. It’s the kind of fragrance that always leaves a lasting impression without being an overly strong masculine scent.
- Key notes: Citrus, sandalwood cedar
One Cosmo editor says: “My husband absolutely loves this scent so I always get him a restock, whether it’s Father’s Day, a birthday, or holiday. It smells fresh and strong without being overpowering. It's just a great classic men's fragrance, even if your guy isn't super into cologne."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Why we love it: Parfums de Marly makes some of our favorite perfumes in the entire world (no, we're not being dramatic) and Layton is the perf fresh and spicy scent to gift a partner or friend.
- Key notes: Apple, bergamot, pepper
One Cosmo editor says: 'An eagle-eyed TikToker spotted this Parfums de Marly scent in the background of one of Bad Bunny's thirst traps, and it's become one of my fave scents for men since. It's the perfect balance of spicy and floral that anyone is sure to be obsessed with."—SARAH MABERRY, COMMERCE EDITOR
Why we love it: Cosmo editors say this scent reminds them of stepping into a rich person’s living room, with grand furniture, a burning fireplace, and a touch of regal amber to top it all off. It's woody, warm, and super comforting.
- Key notes: Bergamot, saffron, cedar, sandalwood, amber
One Cosmo editor says: "Somebody Wood is a straightforward sandalwood and cedar fragrance with some warm amber and uplifting bergamot to give it depth and dimension. It kinda smells like being inside a sauna (in the best way), so it's no wonder that I find this perfume so soothing."—LAUREN GRUBER, ASSOCIATE COMMERCE EDITOR
Why we love it: Kayali founder Mona Kattan actually made this scent specifically for her husband to wear on their wedding day. I tell all of my friends with partners to give this to them because it just feels soooo romantic.
- Key notes: White musk, sandalwood, cedarwood
One Cosmo editor says: "It's woodsy but with some musk and jasmine that don't veer too heavy or intense. Also, it feels pretty special: It was originally a limited edition cologne, but people begged for Kayali to bring it back because everyone loved it so much."—BG
Why we love it: This is the ultimate edgy cologne. If you want the man in your life to smell effortlessly cool, this blend of rich leather with subtle florals and spices creates a warm fragrance that just exudes confidence. This is what I imagine Harry Styles smells like (even though he was rumored to be a Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille fan years back).
- Key notes: Black leather, violet, jasmine
One Cosmo editor says: "I’m obsessed with Tom Ford Ombre Leather on my boyfriend, it’s a great spicy and rich scent with a very slight floral note that I love. It actually lasts all day on him and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants their partner to smell amazing for hours on end."—HANNAH OH, SHOPPING EDITOR
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she tests all kinds of fragrances for a living. For this story, she, along with the rest of the Cosmo team, spritzed dozens of colognes to find the best ones to gift.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
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