How do I decide which cologne to buy for my boyfriend for his birthday?

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Diamondfriend

Diamondfriend

Sofa King Banned
Apr 28, 2025
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#1
I am trying to buy a cologne for my man's birthday. This is the deal though. I don't know how it mixes with his skin chemistry. How do I get him to sample some because he hates to shop. Let's face it. If he smells good, I like it. He is wearing some cheap stuff that cost about $2 max. I am trying to get him to upgrade a little and especially for date nights. This is a birthday gift and I don't want him to know and I don't want to offend him. Any ideas? Has anybody else ever had this dilemma? Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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#2
That’s a lovely idea for your man. I think selfishly, what are the colognes you like first of all? Second, does your bf like certain scents? Men’s colognes are usually categorised into Woody, Fresh, Amber and Floral, so once you find what category he falls into you can shortlist. I like to look at Fragrantica for reviews. Or you could go with one of the most popular ones, which off the top of my head would have to be Dior Sauvage, Creed Aventus, John Paul Gaultier Le Male, Chanel Allure Homme and Armani Acqua Di Gio.
 
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#3
jaztee said:
That’s a lovely idea for your man. I think selfishly, what are the colognes you like first of all? Second, does your bf like certain scents? Men’s colognes are usually categorised into Woody, Fresh, Amber and Floral, so once you find what category he falls into you can shortlist. I like to look at Fragrantica for reviews. Or you could go with one of the most popular ones, which off the top of my head would have to be Dior Sauvage, Creed Aventus, John Paul Gaultier Le Male, Chanel Allure Homme and Armani Acqua Di Gio.
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This helps somewhat. Thanks.
 
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#10
Diamondfriend said:
it. He is wearing some cheap stuff that cost about $2 max. I am trying to get him to upgrade a little and especially for date nights
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If you like the scent and just want an upgraded, more refined version, search online for a review of that fragrance and then pay attention to the notes listed. For example, if it’s primarily citrus, then you can search for recommendations on citrus cologne. If it’s fougere, then that. If gourmand, etc.

A note on quality. An expensive cologne is not necessarily better quality. For every 100 or 200 USD, companies spend less than 5USD on the actual fragrance

IMO, French fragrance tends to morph a bit more on the skin (you get a hit of top note which dissipates; a blend of middle notes; and the underlying base). An example is Frederic Malle. The evolution is part of the joy.

The Italian fragrances that I’ve tried remain pretty stable throughout. That is to say, starting out with the main note with progressive, relatively even fading
 
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#11
Regarding not wanting him to know or trying not to offend him and knowing he hates to shop, I asked my husband on his opinion.
His answer: You're asking too much. (lol) Just keep it simple. Either buy a gift sample set, or go for one you like. OR just bring him shopping to try on fragrances and call it a day.

I think everyone gives great points above so there isn't much for me to say. I'm not great at describing fragrances and notes, I just know what I like, read the ingredients, and keep them in mind for future purchases.
Whenever I want my husband to amp up his fragrance game or feel that it's time for a change or just get something new for fun, I just bring him out to try them. It turns out to be a fun day of trying fragrances and talking about scents. I used to be a huge perfume junkie in college so I look forward to going fragrance shopping with him/for him.
 
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