Just Our Two Scents: 13 Men Share Their Signature Cologne

When it comes to a man feeling confident about who he is there are a few items that are definite. From the outfit he wears to the shoes on his feet, from the car he drives to the fresh-cut his barber has just blessed him with, these are all essential when it comes to male grooming. Another essential item is cologne. The way a man smells is imperative to set a standard when it comes to personal style. Now keep in mind that all of our body chemistry is different, so a scent that smells one way in the bottle, may smell slightly different when it meets the skin. The way my favorite cologne smells on me, will not smell the same way on you.

We reached out to some of our favorite gentlemen to see which fragrances empower them.

Kyle Biskit: influencer

Cologne: Bond No. 9 Lafayette

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

“Mmmm that smells delicious, can I eat you?”

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

When I’m wearing a fragrance it makes me feel more complete. Especially when my outfit is on point and I’m groomed. It’s like the icing on the cake.

What does your scent say about you?

This scent says that I have made it and shows the world how far I have come. I didn't grow up splurging on cologne in Detroit, because I never had that luxury. But every time I get to spray myself and get a whiff of my Bond No. 9, I remember where I am now: out of living day-to-day, in California and living my dream life in the luxury rental industry. Its musky aroma says I'm doing my thing now--and that is my little token of confidence."

Diallo Riddle: HBO Max’s South Side

Cologne: Tom Ford’s Black Orchid

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

That time my wife said, “you stank…put on some of this Tom Ford Black Orchid and smell like a real man…or at least like some orchids.”

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

It increases my confidence and makes me forget that my jawline isn’t as chiseled as I’d like it to be.

What does your scent say about you?

My scent doesn’t talk, but if it did, it would say, “let me out of this bottle…so we can conquer the world"

Warren Egypt Franklin: Hulu’s Grown-ish

Cologne: Jazz Club by Maison Margiela

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

The funniest reaction I’ve gotten to my scent would definitely have to be when a friend of mine told me she thought I smelled like “her future baby daddy.”

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

Having a good scent, makes me feel sexy and oh so confident knowing I can walk past someone and they double take because the scent was so alluring, it’s a very powerful thing.

What does your scent say about you?

My scent says that I’m a confident person who moves through the world with mystery and passion.

Ricky Lopez-Espin: MLS Inter Miami (Pro-Soccer Player)

Cologne: L'Homme: Yves Saint Laurent

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

There have been numerous times when walking through bars/clubs/lounges, etc that I have been asked what cologne I have on saying I smell fantastic from both genders. But most of the compliments come from women, the funniest is when I was at a bar and a woman grabbed me and said "you smell delicious, you smell like my next boyfriend!" Haha.

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

I believe that having a good scent impacts you tremendously. I think that is the first thing to catch someone's attention unconsciously. First, they look at your appearance and if they get close enough to you, I believe secondly, they take in your scent unconsciously. So I believe it makes a big impact on how you are perceived and your attractiveness.

What does your scent say about you?

The first two words that come to mind are confidence and sexiness. L'homme from Yves Saint Laurent smells wonderful. YSL is a luxury brand that makes all men feel confident and stylish.

Joseph David-Jones: The CW’s 4400

Cologne: Prada Luna Rossa Sport

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

It would have to be when I was in the checkout line at Whole Foods and the lady behind me leaned forward and said “You smell like my ex-husband.” I was like “Oh, uh… my bad?” But she was like “No! it's a compliment!” Smelling nice was about the only thing he did right!

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

I’ve always felt like first impressions matter when it comes to smell, and always smelling good alleviates the fear of leaving a bad first impression on anyone you meet. The better you smell the more people want to be around you.

What does your scent say about you?

My cologne is always subtle but pleasant and inviting. So I hope that it would say to people that I’m a chill laid back person you can always feel good being around.

Tunji Kasim: The CW’s Nancy Drew

Cologne: Dylan by Rosie Jane

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

My go-to scent used to be Allure Homme by Chanel, but I've switched it up cause Chanel, unfortunately, isn't vegan. I haven't found "the one" yet but Dylan by Rosie Jane is pretty close. I remember getting into this fascinating conversation with someone about fragrances and she blew my mind about the history and production of perfumes and cologne. All I'll say is "Ambergris". Look it up, it involves sperm whales. You'll never think of fragrances in the same way again.

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

What's amazing about fragrances is the same scent smells differently depending on who's wearing it. Just cause it smells good on someone else doesn't mean it'll smell good on you. So when you've found that scent that matches you just right, it’s so satisfying. Cologne is like the cherry on top, when you've got your outfit down and you're feeling like the bee's knees, a great aroma just makes everything else pop. And what’s really cool about it, is it's a live experience. You gotta be there to smell it, can't take a pic of a fragrance..... yet.

What does your scent say about you?

That I'm a fairly classic man with a bit of spice?! Ha! I like a bass woody scent with something spicy and just very slightly floral on top. We might not have a strong sense of smell, but humans subconsciously communicate via scent all the time. What you smell like can say a lot.

Alfredo Sanchez Ortiz: Model

Cologne: Spicebomb Night Vision by Viktor & Rolf

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

One of the funniest compliments I got while wearing my cologne was a compliment I got from an elderly lady who said, "Ain’t no way you look that good and smell so delicious without being married... if I could back in in time mmm mm m.“

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

Having a good scent impacts my confidence because when I smell good it puts me in a better mood and it allows me to be in my comfort zone.

What does your scent say about you?

My scent tells you that I’m confident but also humble.

Kevin Ross: Singer/Songwriter

Cologne: Killian for Men

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

Most interesting reaction that I got from my scent is a girl licking my ear lobe after hugging me lol.

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

A great scent allows definitely boost your confidence in how you walk into a room and how you approach people.

What does your scent say about you?

Your scent is a lifestyle not just an occasion. Whether it’s the red carpet or going to target you gotta stay on point.

TJ Atoms: Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga

Cologne: I’homme À la rose by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

Somebody once said to me on set, “how does a dirty bastard smell so good” and I thought that was hilarious.

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

Smelling good – like having a good haircut – is very important to your whole swag. If you smell good, then you feel good, which is essential to living abundantly.

What does your scent say about you?

My scent probably says, “this guy is the coolest dude ever, and he should totally take my girlfriend!”

Mauricio Hernandez: Model

Cologne: Jean Paul Gaultier for men

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

The most interesting compliment I've ever gotten was when one of my teachers asked me what cologne I used because she wanted to buy it for her husband since she liked the smell so much.

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

Having a good and signature scent is very important to my confidence because I know wherever I go people can never say I smelled bad. I love being able to walk into a room and when I leave You can still smell my cologne.

What does your scent say about you?

What my scent says about me is that I'm hygienic, I love taking care of myself and the first step of taking care of yourself is being clean.

Joshua Benoit: Musician

Cologne: Creed Aventus

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

The smell is so powerful that others can smell the scent prior to me even walking in the same room as them. They would say things like “yep… Josh is here” or “Josh has been here today”. This cologne leaves an unforgettable scent!

What does your scent say about you?

Smelling good has an impact on enhancing my self-confidence. It is already known that through using it, you can attract the attention of the people around you.

My scent makes me feel sophisticated, strong and successful.

Charlie Lynch: Fitness Model

Cologne: Dior Sauvage

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

I’ve had a girl do a complete 360 to turn around and come track me down to figure out if that was my cologne she smelled. Also, steal some of my clothes from my closet to take with her so she could smell me when she’s not around me. Lol

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

When you have a great scent about you it gives you the confidence to walk in any room and steal the show. Scent is the strongest thing tied to memory so people will always remember you for smelling great!

What does your scent say about you?

My scent says that I’m confident, sexy, and knows just what it takes to make a woman have to do a double take.

Atkins Estimond: STARZ Hightown

Cologne: Neroli Portofino Tom Ford

What was the most interesting/funniest compliment or reaction received when wearing your favorite cologne?

I remember walking to class one day and this young woman walked pass me and then she stopped turned around and said is that you? I wasn’t sure what she was talking about at first and then she walked up to me, sniffed me and then she said damn you smell good. You can’t help but feel pretty good about yourself after that.

How does having a good scent impact your confidence?

Having a good scent is a major confidence boost. When you step in a room and you smell good you have a whole different swagger. You even walk differently.

What does your scent say about you?

My scent tells you that I’m not overwhelming but you definitely won’t overlook me either.

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