The best luxury fragrances for men are among the most expensive on the planet. These colognes are known for being uber-luxurious, but the best luxury colognes and fragrances for men take that concept to the next level. Made by the top master perfumers in the game, they offer nothing short of the finest aromatics. You can’t pronounce half the names, but you don’t have to – all you need is a nose for detail, cash to spare and a true appreciation for the most expensive perfume for men.
Best Luxury Fragrances for Men at a Glance
Our list of the best luxury fragrances for men goes like this.
Now we’ve had a look at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
1. James by Atkinsons
While it’s far from the most expensive fragrance on our list of the best luxury scents, we’ve been wearing James by Atkinsons more than any other luxury fragrance this year. It combines staple aromatics with a base of wood that’s driven by classic vetiver and musk accords. If you’re looking for a great everyday wearing cologne for men we can’t recommend this enough. Priced from $280 AUD, it’s considerably more affordable than a lot of perfumes on our list – they typically sit around the $400 mark.
Launched: 2022
Top notes: Clary Sage, Bergamot, Finger Lime and Pink Pepper.
Heart: Violet Leaf, Elemi Resin and White Flowers.
Base: Vetiver, Patchouli, Akigalawood and Musk.
2. The Inimitable William Penhaligon by Penhaligons
Wildly popular and critically acclaimed, The Inimitable William Penhaligon is the choice of the Royal Family. This irresistible men’s cologne opens with a remarkable fragrance elegantly balanced by dashes of bergamot and jasmine that segues into a woody heart of cedar, incense and vetiver. Running throughout are warm, luxurious notes of sandalwood and ambroxan. It’s no wonder this expensive cologne often falls into the top 10 perfumes for men. Splurge a little by getting yourself a bottle and whip it out for those special occasions. While it is one of the most expensive colognes on our list, you won’t be disappointed.
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Launched: 2020
Top notes: Bergamot and Jasmine
Heart: Vetiver, Incense and Cedar
Base: Sandalwood and Ambroxan
3. Santal 33 by Le Labo
This unisex fragrance often fills the office here at Man of Many thanks to its intoxicating blends of wood, spices and leather. Described as “An open fire…The soft drift of smoke…Where sensuality rises after the light has gone” it’s no wonder this scent has such a cult following. Often falls onto the top 10 perfume for men lists thanks to its warm, musky and addictive smell. Yes, it’s an expensive cologne but my god will this niche fragrance for men have you smelling a million dollars? Is this one of the world’s best perfumes? We’ll let you be the judge.
Launched: 2011
Notes: Cardamom, Iris, Violet, Australian sandalwood, Cedarwood, Papyrus, Ambrox, Musk.
4. Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Launched in 2012, and created by renowned perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, who drew inspiration from ancient Arabian perfumes, this acclaimed sensual and alluring unisex fragrance incorporates costly fragrance to mark a return to oriental scents more commonly associated with the niche market. Regularly recommended as a top 10 perfume for men we recommend saving this one for special occasions. That unmistakable baccarat aroma is enhanced by notes of amber wood, ambergris and spicy saffron for an overall profile too enticing to refuse.
Launched: 2012
Top notes: Jasmine and Saffron
Heart: Amberwood and Ambergris
Base: Fir resin and Cedar
5. Aventus by Creed
Housed inside an unforgettable bottle is this niche fragrance, the most popular ever created by the House of Creed. Launched in 2010, it is a celebration of strength, power, success, and vision. Considered a niche fragrance due to its limited distribution, high price, unique smell, interesting packaging, and expensive ingredients. This unrivalled blend is comprised of high-quality ingredients, perfect for gentlemen who enjoy the finer things in life. It features a musk and oak base, complemented with fruity top notes of blackcurrant, Italian Bergamot, French apples and a burst of pineapple. Aventus Creed can be described as a fruity chypre fragrance, with a well-defined masculine edge.
Launched: 2010
Top notes: Pineapple, Bergamot, Black Currant and Apple
Heart: Birch, Patchouli, Moroccan Jasmine and Rose
Base: Musk, Oakmoss, Ambergris and Vanille
6. Jazz Club by Maison Margiela
Here’s another long-lasting, luxury cologne of the highest calibre. Reinforced by a base of tobacco leaf, Maison Martin Margiela ‘Jazz Club’ offers a smoky blend of notes like lemon, pink pepper, styrax and neroli. The result is a warm, sharp, spicy cologne that stays its course the whole day thanks to the increased use of exotic oils.
Launched: 2013
Top notes: Pink Pepper, Neroli and Lemon
Heart: Clary Sage and Java Vetiver Oil
Base: Tobacco Leaf, Vanilla Bean and Styrax
7. Clive Christian X by Clive Christian
The prestigious packaging alone demands respect and what’s inside is no less dominant. This spicy, luxury cologne opens boldly with bursts of ginger and bergamot. At the heart are a variety of oils like pimento and sambac while the base delivers seductive notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and cedarwood. Being every bit as esteemed and masculine as its reputation implies, Clive Christian ‘X’ Perfume Spray brings plenty of bang for your buck.
Launched: 2001
Top notes: Rhubarb, Pineapple and Bergamot
Heart: Iris, Paprika and Jasmine
Base: Virginia Cedar, Cinnamon, Amber, Oakmoss, Vetiver, Styrax, Vanilla and French labdanum
8. Soleil Blanc by Tom Ford
The latest from Tom Ford boldly embraces the endless pursuit of luxury by way of sun-soaked floral aromatics. Soleil Blanc employs a creamy, sweet base of bitter almonds, tonka bean, and coconut milk to deliver a rich bouquet of vivid sensuality. The goal was to put an island paradise inside a bottle–the sultry scent alone spells mission accomplished. An expensive cologne for men it is, what else would you expect from a brand like Tom Ford, renown for making luxurious high-end products, including ultra-high-end 9 Best Bold & Spicy Colognes & Fragrances for Men.
Launched: 2016
Top notes: Pistachio, Bergamot, Cardamom and Pink Pepper
Heart: Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine
Base: Coconut, Amber, Tonka Bean and Benzoin
9. Rose d’Arabie by Armani Prive
Part of Armani’s Prive collection, Rose d’Arabie Unisex Eau de Parfum is yet another stunning luxury men’s cologne taking inspiration from ancient Arabian and oriental perfumes. Notes of Damascus rose, vanilla, patchouli and Arab wood help retain a warm, exotic essence. The use of rich oils ensures that this top unisex fragrant lasts and lasts. It is an expensive cologne for men, however, it will be worth it.
Launched: 2010
Top notes: Rose and Saffron
Heart: Patchouli and Dark Woods
Base: Golden Amber
10. Oud & Bergamot by Jo Malone London
What do you get when you pair the citrus fragrance of bergamot with a deliciously sweet and woody oud? One of the best luxury colognes for men money can buy, that’s what. It is one of the least expensive perfumes for men on our list, but don’t let that take anything away from this luxury fragrance. Jo Malone London Cologne Intense is deep and vivacious, brimming with rich cream, spice and wood. You’ll feel invigorated after one whiff. Intense, indeed.
Launched: 2010
Top notes: Sparkling Bergamont, Citrus Freshness
Heart: Cedarwood, Mossy Balsamic
Base: Oud, Smoky, Woody, Warm
11. Ambre Nuit by Christian Dior
Christian Dior delivers a masterpiece with Ambre Nuit. Zesty top notes of grapefruit and orange give way to a spicy, floral heart of Turkish rose and pink pepper. A base of amber lends this brilliant fragrance a warm, sensual foundation. A high-end cologne for men from a high-end brand.
Launched: 2009
Top notes: Grapefruit and Sunny Bergamot
Heart: Turkish Rose and Passionate Pink Peppe
Base: Warm Amber
12. Cuiron by Helmut Lang
Helmet Lang Cuiron distinguishes itself with notes of ripe plum along with elements like bergamot, mandarin, pink pepper, and ambrette. In spite of all that fruit and citrus, a musky masculine vibe persists, making this a spicy cologne that favours the bold. Priced somewhere in the mid-range, it is not an overly expensive men’s perfume, compared to the other luxury fragrances on our list.
Launched: 2002
Top notes: Fine Worn-in leather, Bergamont, Mandarin, Pink Peppercorn and Cassia Oil
Heart: Rich Woods and Ancient Resins
Base: Suede Notes
How Man of Many Chose this List of Luxury Fragrances
When it comes to our list of the best luxury perfumes and fragrances for men, it goes without saying, that expertise is key. While Man of Many has had the chance to test every fragrance on this list (often thanks to our friends in the industry), they’ve also turned to the wider public for their overall ratings. Man of Many’s lists takes into account three major perspectives to determine the overall rating. In addition to their own opinions, they take into account reviews via perfume forum Fragrantica and the Australian retailers Myer and Chemist Warehouse. They then collate the information together and measure the best luxury colognes for men via overall scent profile, reader ratings and commercial availability. Prices have not been mentioned here as they vary by retailer and amount, for example 30mL or 100mL.
Interested in more cologne and fragrance stories? Here are a few stories to get you started:
General FAQs
What is the most expensive cologne on the planet?
If we ignore the fake gold and diamond-encrusted fragrances, Clive Christian’s Imperial Majesty is the most expensive cologne in the world and is priced at $435,000 USD or $660,699 AUD.
What defines a fragrance as luxurious?
There are many factors which make a fragrance luxurious. Their use of rare ingredients, the extraction process, packaging, and overall exclusivity and value of the brand, all contribute to how luxurious it is. This also impacts the price.
Are perfumes more expensive than cologne?
Yes, perfumes are more expensive than cologne because of the difference in concentration levels. Perfumes typically have a higher concentration of fragrance oils (15%-20%), whereas colognes peak at 5%. This also leads to perfumes lasting longer than colognes.
