
It’s not uncommon for men to need a long-lasting “power frag” fragrance that they can just apply and get on with their day. Using our proprietary Bespoke Unit Fragrance Formula, we have compared different men’s fragrances and cross-referenced their performance.
In this guide, we will present to you the top 10 best long-lasting fragrances for men that will perform throughout the day:
- Creed Aventus
- Dunhill Icon
- Paco Rabanne Pour Homme
- Paco Rabanne 1 Million
- Aramis By Estée Lauder
- Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man
- Bvlgari Man In Black
- Christian Dior Homme Intense
- Guerlain L’Homme Idéal EDP
- Guerlain Habit Rouge
Simply use the links above to jump ahead or scroll down to discover them all!
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Overview
- Fragrance Family: Fruity Chypre
- Seasonality: Spring & Summer
- Occasion: Office
- Longevity: 4/5
- Pricing:
How Long Does It Last?
While Aventus’ overt pineapple notes come across as strong for the first few hours, it eventually settles to provide a deeply long-lasting experience thanks to the birch, ambergris, and oakmoss. Aventus will effortlessly last you throughout the entire working day and leave plenty to spare.
Seasonality
Aroma Profile
- Head: Pineapple, Cassis, Apple, Bergamot
- Heart: Rose, Jasmine, Birch, Patchouli
- Base: Oak Moss, Vanilla, Ambergris
Also Featured In
Overview
- Fragrance Family: Woody Aromatic
- Seasonality: Fall
- Occasion: Formal
- Longevity: 4/5
- Pricing:
How Long Does It Last?
With its rich and resinous base of agarwood and labdanum, Icon will provide you with an admirable performance throughout the day and night. Its tantalising and sensual notes never lose their nuances until it has completely faded ensuring a truly long-lasting experience.
Read More: Dunhill Icon Review.
Seasonality
Aroma Profile
- Head: Bergamot, Neroli, Petitgrain, Pepper
- Heart: Lavender, Iris, Sage, Juniper
- Base: Oak Moss, Agarwood, Labdanum
Also Featured In
Overview
- Fragrance Family: Aromatic Fougère
- Seasonality: Spring
- Occasion: Office
- Longevity: 5/5
- Pricing:
Why Is It Good For Spring?
Offering a green composition of fresh aromatic herbs, Paco Rabanne Pour Homme offers a vivid experience. From rosemary, lavender and rosewood to oak moss and honey, you’ll feel an authentic yet masculine essence of springtime throughout the dry-down.
Read More: Paco Rabanne Pour Homme Review.
Seasonality
Aroma Profile
- Head: Rosemary, Sage, Rosewood
- Heart: Lavender, Geranium, Tonka Bean
- Base: Oak Moss, Honey, Labdanum
Also Featured In
Overview
- Fragrance Family: Spicy Oriental Amber
- Seasonality: Winter
- Occasion: Casual
- Longevity: 4/5
- Pricing:
How Long Does It Last?
Featuring an iconic blend of sweet and oily citrus notes, the base’s tobacco and leather notes are particularly long-lasting and perform remarkably well. You can be assured that 1 Million will seamlessly last you throughout an entire day at school, college or university no matter what sports you take up.
Read More: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Review.
Seasonality
Aroma Profile
- Head: Grapefruit, Blood Orange, Mint
- Heart: Neroli, Rose, Cinnamon, Nutmeg
- Base: Patchouli, Agarwood, Labdanum
Also Featured In
Overview
- Fragrance Family: Leather Chypre
- Seasonality: Winter
- Occasion: Romantic
- Longevity: 4/5
- Pricing:
How Long Does It Last?
Aramis is a well-known and respected fragrance that has been around for decades. It features a base so powerful that it should be applied in great moderation. However, it is so long-lasting that it will carry over to the next day. Apply and wear with caution.
Read More: Aramis Cologne Review.
Seasonality
Aroma Profile
- Head: Bergamot, Artemisia, Thyme, Pepper
- Heart: Jasmine, Patcouli, Cloves, Sage
- Base: Sandal, Guaiacwood, Labdanum
Read More
Overview
- Fragrance Family: Woody Fruity Musk
- Seasonality: Summer
- Occasion: Casual
- Longevity: 5/5
- Pricing:
How Long Does It Last?
Known as CDNIM by the fragrance community, Armaf’s concoction is an affordable alternative to Aventus. Nevertheless, it tends to perform better than some of the later Aventus batches. While it may not offer the same quality, its performance and aroma profile make it a worthwhile investment.
Read More: Club de Nuit Intense Man Review
Seasonality
Aroma Profile
- Head: Cassic, Lime, Pineapple Leaf, Apple
- Heart: Rose, Jasmine, Birch
- Base: Ambergris, Patchouli, Vanilla
Also Featured In
Overview
- Fragrance Family: Floriental
- Seasonality: Fall
- Occasion: Romantic
- Longevity: 4/5
- Pricing:
How Long Does It Last?
If you’re fond of Spicebomb, you may well appreciate Man In Black. While they’re not entirely similar and some generally prefer Viktor&Rolf’s blend, Man In Black offers much better performance in the base.
Seasonality
Aroma Profile
- Head: Guaiacwood, Nutmeg, Caramel
- Heart: Labdanum, Tuberose, Iris
- Base: Guaiacwood, Tonka Bean, Benzoin
Overview
- Fragrance Family: Woody Floral Musk
- Seasonality: Winter
- Occasion: Romantic
- Longevity: 4/5
- Pricing:
How Long Does It Last?
Although Homme Intense may not perform as well as the other fragrances on this list, it offers something that they don’t. Rather than a “beast mode” longevity, you can expect a confident and sensual skin scent that is certainly present without overwhelming your entourage.
Seasonality
Aroma Profile
- Head: Lavender
- Heart: Iris, Ambrette, Conference Pear
- Base: Vetiver, Cedar Wood
Overview
- Fragrance Family: Oriental Woody
- Seasonality: Fall / Winter
- Occasion: Romantic
- Longevity: 5/5
- Pricing:
How long Does It Last?
Following a mysteriously seductive opening, the Eau de Parfum Homme Idéal flanker produces a long-lasting head and base. Its skin scent is particularly alluring and quite distinctive with a surprisingly enduring longevity.
Read More: Guerlain L’Homme Idéal EDP Review
Seasonality
Aroma Profile
- Head: Bergamot, Apple, Plum, Cinnamon
- Heart: Mahogany, Geranium, Vanilla
- Base: Cedar, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Also Featured In
Overview
- Fragrance Family: Woody Oriental
- Seasonality: Fall & Winter
- Occasion: Office
- Longevity: 4/5
- Pricing:
How Long Does It Last?
A celebrated fragrance from 1965, Habit Rouge is the historical Parisian brand’s most iconic men’s fragrance. Boasting a quintessential composition of citrus, floral notes, and leathers, it will effortlessly perform throughout the day.
Seasonality
Aroma Profile
- Head: Clementine, Basil, Redwood
- Heart: Rose, Sandalwood, Patchouli
- Base: Labdanum, Guaiacwood, Vanilla
How Do You Score A Fragrance’s Strength?
When testing fragrances for our numerous reviews, we score a cologne’s strength based on three parameters:
- Projection: From how far can the fragrance be smelled.
- Sillage: The trail the fragrance leaves behind the wearer.
- Longevity: How long the fragrance lasts before fading.
Using our Bespoke Unit Fragrance Formula, each of these factors are then scored out of 5, which accounts for 15% of the fragrance’s total score. This allows us to compare the results against other fragrances and see how well they perform.
In the list above, we have included the fragrances that offer the best longevity but also have well-performing sillage and projection. After all, a fragrance that lasts all day isn’t much use if it doesn’t have any wake and strength. This is why some may have a longevity of 4 rather than 5.
Similarly, we have taken the overall score into account so to avoid added fragrances that are otherwise poor.
How We Test The Projection.
In order to properly test a fragrance’s projection, we apply it onto ourselves or a partner. That partner will then approach us from a distance of 5 metres and tell us when they begin to smell the cologne. We’re then able to consistently rate it out of 5.
In order to ensure fairness, this is repeated by a number of other team members at Bespoke Unit so we can have an average score. If a partner is not available, it is applied onto a surface in a room. The tester will then approach it slowly and stop when they begin to smell it.
How We Test The Sillage
Testing the sillage is quite simple but works by measuring time rather than distance. Here, it’s easy to test this factor alone without a partner. Using an empty and clean room with closed windows, we spray the fragrance twice in the air.
We then leave the room and close the door behind us. We then check back in the room regularly over a period of 10 minutes to see if it is still present. To ensure that the palate cleanses between tests, we drink some water and leave regular breaks of about a minute each.
If a fragrance can still be smelled after 10 minutes, it’s on the very high end of the scale.
How We Test The Longevity
One of the most time-consuming parts of a review, we find ways of integrating this into our daily routine. We begin the day by applying some of the fragrance on the arm or the back of the hand.
Ideally, the arm is better as the hands require frequent washing. However, when wearing long sleeves, the hand might be necessary. Alternatively, we sometimes apply the fragrance onto a surface, which is visited throughout the day.
During an 8-hour period (a typical working day), the fragrance is regularly tested to ensure it is still present. Once it has faded, a note is taken of the time and it is graded out of five.
In order to not affect the results of the test, we don’t wear any other fragrances nor do we apply this one elsewhere on ourselves. Because the nose will eventually become used to it, only the hand or a surface is sprayed so it can be checked without being omnipresent.
What Next?
Enjoy learning about the best men’s fragrances that last all day? You can also explore specific seasons and occasions by jumping to the menu above. For instance, you can learn about the best spring fragrances or what to wear to the office.
We also offer extensive fragrance guides and resources like the examples below:
- What Is A Perfume Pyramid?
- Latest Men’s Fragrance Reviews
- How To Try & Test Fragrances
- How To Apply Fragrances
"Some surprising fragrances here. It's great to see frags like PRPH and Aramis getting some well-deserved attention."Rating: 5.0 ★★★★★
Thanks for this list! Aventus is too expensive for me but just bought a bottle of Paco Rabanne Pour Homme. Didn’t expect it to be so affordable!
Hi George,
It usually retails for much more but online sellers will sell it for less! Definitely worth grabbing!
Best,
CP
What about Creed’s Green Irish Tweed?
Hi Zach,
We didn’t find GIT to be quite as high performing as the other fragrances listed here. However, it does perform quite well indeed.
Best,
CP
I like Versace (Chrome). I have it on today at a Christmas party. I’ve had several compliments. I also bought Prada & Yves St Laurent. I take turns wearing but the Versace is going the fastest. Anyone else like it?
Hi David,
I’m sure that I have tried it but I’m not familiar enough with Chrome to remember! Hopefully someone else will chime in and give their two cents.
Best,
CP
Hi, i couldn’t find Versace Chrome only, is it Azzaro Chrome?
What about joop!
You should do one on Versace Dylan it’s one of my favorite very long lasting at least 2 days great smell complimented every wear
Hi Dee,
It’s on the list as we like it too! We’ll try to get to it when time allows us!
Best,
CP
I was advised that black phantom by killian is a great cologne with longevity, what do you think, is it worth buying or would creed provide more comments.
Mick.
Hi Mick,
I’m afraid that I’m not familiar enough with this fragrance to give you an honest response.
Best,
CP
How is Davidoff Champion in terms of projection?
Hi Aman,
It’s pretty average. You’ll probably get between 3 to 5 hours, which isn’t too bad for something so focused on citrus. If you’re looking for performance, it wouldn’t be our first choice.
Best,
CP
Have you guys tested Prada Carbon ? they tell me it is similar to Sauvage; what do you guys think of Carbon ?
MA
Hi MA,
I briefly tried it and yes, there’s a distinctive similarity. Both feature similar notes such as the lavender, pepper, ambroxan, and bergamot. While Sauvage is leans more towards amber notes, Carbon is quite heavy on the bergamot.
As for their performance, since we’re here, they’re both quite similar and give good all-round performance. However, I feel that Sauvage has better projection later in the day whereas Carbon is more of a skin scent.
All the best,
CP
This list is good, but by no means great, in terms of really identifying true “beast mode” fragrances for men.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your input. Would you have any recommendations?
Best,
CP
Aventus smells incredible, I own 2 bottles of it. BUT based on my experience it absolutely does not belong on a list of “long lasting” fragrances. Fragrances rarely last long on me, while even more rarely last long AND smell good to me. The only ones I have found to last a long time and smell good to me are:
-CDNIM
-LE MALE
-THE DREAMER
-TUSCAN LEATHER/ clive christian C/ LA YUQAWAM
Hello Joe,
Fair enough. Indeed, everyone skin reacts differently so your input is much appreciated. We’ve featured CDNIM. Le Male and Tuscan Leather are also good shouts!
Best,
CP
Yes, club de nuit is the best out there
It’s a good one, indeed!
HI….is original invictus Last longer? I understand it is not on the list but I just wanna know
Thanks
Hi Luyanda,
Indeed, Invictus is certainly up there and does last very well.
All the best,
CP
I want a perfume similar to Chanel de bleu
Perhaps try Prada l’Homme or Dior Homme?
Are you guys try CREED AVENTUS is that good for long lasting??
The latest batches may not perform quite as well but generally speaking, it has excellent performance.
Have you tried and Mistral? I just tried the teakwood the other day and loved the scent. Was curious to know how it would stack up against these others!
Hi Ben,
No, we haven’t! What brand is that?
Best,
CP
I tried Mistral Teakwood in a store recently and it smelled great. Here is their site https://www.mistralsoap.com/products/teak-wood-eau-de-parfum
Interesting. Not seen that before. I’ll check them out when I have the chance!
I tried Mancera Aoud Violet & Aoud Orchid they are really Great in projection and very long lasting full day
Hi Ammar,
Thanks for the feedback. I’ve made a note of them so we can test them in the future.
All the best,
CP
Why is amouage interlude man not on this list …that has to be one of the strongest perfume I know
Thanks for the feedback, we will consider adding it. It’s a pricey fragrance and we tried to include something for every budget.
All the best,
CP
Hello, thanks for a job well done!
Pls what do you think of Oud Majilis?
Thanks! I’ll be perfectly honest but I’ve not actually tried it!
What about Mancera Red Tobacco longevity? I’ve just ordered it so I’m curious to know about its performance.
Hi Anas,
To be perfectly honest, I don’t know! You’ll have to tell us when you received it!
All the best,
CP
What about Chanel Allure Homme Sport? Something as versatile longer lasting than that?? Eau Extreme seems more for colder weather.
It’s true that Chanel Allure Sport is a very good option and very versatile, too. If you want something similar, you could try Versace Pour Homme.
All the best,
CP
Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme vs Ysl Y edp. Can you briefly break down the two in terms of performance, longevity, etc.. and which is a better choice for signature scent?
Allure Home Sport Eau Extreme is arguably a more distinctive fragrance with rich notes of citrus and tonka bean. Meanwhile, YSL Y is lauded for its sage, apple, and ginger – but it’s also quite reminiscent of other “blue” fragrances like Sauvage and Bleu de Chanel. YSL Y is a little more bracing whereas Allure is bolder. Both offer similar levels of performance with Allure just slightly taking the lead.
If you’re looking for a signature scent, Allure has more character and personality but it’s also slightly more popular (although not as popular as other fragrances like Sauvage so it’s not mundane).
Great breakdown and I agree. I just know they’re both great fragrances. Thanks a lot!
You’re very welcome!
I’ve been using Kouros all through my years from YSL and have left my mark every weekend everywhere i went complements through out my years from people so is it possible to give Kouros a changes in the top 10 long lasting cologne.
Hey Lucian,
Thanks for the tip! I actually hadn’t heard of Kouros. I’ve just found it on FragranceX and seems to have a decent price – will be trying it soon.
Regards,
Rafael