I have always been particular about the scents I wear. I like to stick with those that last long and don’t fade away within a few hours. So when it comes to finding a new fragrance, longevity is always one of the most important factors for me.
I also don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that’s not going to work. So, I need a fragrance that’s going to have both good projection and impact, and that’s also affordable.
As part of this guide, I’ll be reviewing one of the longest-lasting perfumes ever designed. And while doing that I’ll discuss some general aspects to think about before buying a fragrance, such as budget, performance, scent type, smell, versatility, and so on.
What I hope to achieve with this guide is to help you find the most suitable long-lasting fragrance for you.
Watch this video to learn which men’s perfumes last the longest:
My Top 15 Best Long Lasting Perfumes For Men
1. Creed Aventus
Classic intensity for men of all ages.
Aventus is probably one of the most well known long lasting perfumes for men. But it comes with a high price tag as well. But at the end of the day, I’d rather pay more and get a fragrance that’s going to perform well.
It’s a fruity concoction that has a luxurious feel and while it’s something of a traditional scent, it’s versatile as well. Whether you’re a young guy just getting into perfume or a seasoned collector, I’m confident this can become a staple bottle in your collection.
Creed Aventus also offers versatility. It’ll work well for me at any time of the year and for any occasion. That is probably one of the reasons the fragrance has remained popular within our industry over the years.
However, while I believe it lasts incredibly well, I have the impression that newer bottles seem to be ‘watered down’. As a result, I’m not getting the projection or strength I was getting to in older batches. It’s still one of my favorite power houses available though.
2. Bleu de Chanel EDP by Chanel
A popular but super long lasting classic
It is likely that if you enjoy aromatic scents, then Bleu de Chanel has already become a staple in your collection. If you’re new to BDC then let me introduce you to a perfume that’s become an icon for all the right reasons.
BCD is a burst of freshness upon spraying that turns into a sweet, woody scent that goes on for what feels like forever. I’ve noticed that I’ll get about ten hours out of one application, in general. But there have been times I’ve still smelt this on my skin the next day. And if I spray it on my clothes, that’s a different story entirely.
Now, while Bleu de Chanel is long lasting, it’s not over the top in its projection and this is one of the things that makes it so versatile, in my opinion. People around you will smell it but it’s not headache inducing or overwhelming. Instead, it’s a regal, classy aroma that’ll make you feel classy yet powerful.
3. Joop! Homme by Joop!
Nostalgia in a bottle!
If you were around in the 90s then you will remember smelling Joop Homme on just about every guy you walked past in the street. As soon as I smell this, it takes me back to my youth but it’s still a perfume I turn to today.
What I love about Joop Homme is not only how long it lasts but its uniqueness. There are so many perfumes that all smell the same yet Joop Hoome has a character all of its own. Fresh orange blossom, sweet spicy cinnamon and warm patchouli hit the nose just right.
I find that just a couple of sprays of this on my pulse points delivers a longevity that’s unrivaled, especially considering this isn’t the most expensive perfume I’ve ever owned.
Then again, I would say that Joop Homme is limited in his versatility. It’s very intense and projects seriously well so I generally wear it for special occasions or a night out.
4. A*Men by Mugler
The perfect powerful signature scent
I like my perfume to make me stand out. I don’t want to wear something that smells like every other guy in the street. And that’s one of the reasons I love A*Men’s scent of coffee and caramel alongside patchouli, white flowers and lavender.
But aside from being a scent that’s all of its own, A*Men is one of the most long lasting perfumes I’ve used. That’s in fact true of a lot of Mugler’s creations. They tend to cling to the skin for dear life and on clothing. Is that a good or bad thing? I guess that’s a matter of opinion.
Even after wearing it for more than ten hours, I still get a beautiful warm, sweet aroma. The fragrance feels just refined and elegant on me, despite the somewhat daring look of the bottle.
5. Armani Code Profumo by Giorgio Armani
A sadly discontinued gem.
If you thought that the original Armani Code was potent and long lasting, wait until you smell Profumo. This is one of the most powerful out of the entire Code range and I’ve found that I get a solid nine hours out of it before I have to reapply.
Armani Code Profumo is advertised as an amber spicy fragrance and I certainly relate to it. It possesses all of the characteristics associated with it, like amber, nutmeg and cardamom. However, there’s an almost bubblegum vibe to it and I’ve also noticed that there’s a hint of root beer, both of which give this perfume far more sweetness than what I initially predicted from it.
This character makes the perfume feel a lot more youthful than the bottle would have you believe. When I first saw it the tan base merging to blackness made me imagine this as a classic gentleman’s perfume. But I was wrong. For this reason, I’d say this was ideal for young guys heading out for a night in the club.
If you can still get your hands on a bottle consider yourself fortunate as it has been discontinued since last time I looked for one.
6. Paco Rabanne 1 Million
A woody spicy iconic perfume for modern guys.
To be totally honest with you, I grew quite tired of smelling 1 Million in the years following its release. I saw the perfume quickly becoming a signature scent among many guys I knew.
However, that doesn’t mean I think that 1 Million is a bad scent, far from it. It’s actually one of the most unmistakable perfumes on this list and if there’s one thing I love in a fragrance, it’s individuality.
I’ve noticed that newer batches are not performing as well as I remember in terms of both projection and longevity. However, they still far outperform many men’s fragrances and I get around eight hours wear.
But if you can get your hands on one of the older batches, my goodness will you be amazed at how long they last. Both on the skin and on clothing, you’ll need just one or two sprays for a fragrance that’ll follow you around all day.
7. Dior Homme Parfum by Dior
Masculine elegance for the modern man.
Dior Homme is one of my all time favorite men’s perfumes. While there is a kind of classic character to it, Dior Homme feels very much on trend and is ideal for guys who want to keep up with the times without being too unique.
But it’s the longevity of Dior Homme that really sells it. I sprayed this in the morning, spent all day working and then gone out in the evening and still been able to smell it on my skin the next day. And that’s without topping it up.
I would warn you that it’s a very intense fragrance with rich notes like oud and leather. But it’s really manly and feels sensual and sophisticated. Just be careful how much you use because it will make a very noticeable statement.
8. Tom Ford Black Orchid
Dark luxury for mysterious men.
Black Orchid is actually labeled as a women’s fragrance but that did not put me off. Like many of the TF creations, it’s a lot more unisex than you might first imagine and I’d hate for you to miss out on this opulent fragrance.
Black Orchid is a complex and unique scent that has a lot going on between the top notes and the dry down. Truffle is one of the most distinct notes for me that adds a wholesome and warm character.
I have to say, like many Tom Ford perfumes, Black Orchid isn’t the cheapest bottle out there but its performance makes it actually very good value for money. You’re going to get 12 hours + out of it and it’s so intense that it’ll make people turn their heads.
That said since it is so loud, I’d reserve this one for special occasions. If you wear it to the office, you’re probably going to gas everyone out.
9. Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme
A mature flanker for men that aren’t afraid to stand out.
The smell of Spicebomb Extreme transports me to a leather chair at the side of a roaring log fire on a cold winter’s day. There’s a lovely warmth to this fragrance that’s perfect for the winter months and, I think, makes a great signature scent.
Yes, it is extremely strong so wearing it every day might seem a little odd. But since it has something of a classic character with a modern twist, it works exceptionally well.
When I wear Spicebomb Extreme, I always get compliments. It’s not a perfume you’d want to wear if you didn’t want to get noticed because it projects like nothing else. Where longevity is concerned, I usually get around ten hours. By this point, it’s dried down to a lovely sweet vanilla that feels soothing and comforting.
10. Amouage Interlude Man
A rich and intense perfume that’s divided the opinions of fragrance fans.
You’ll either love or hate Amouage Interlude Man. Personally, I love it. That’s largely because of the presence of oud which is one of my favorite fragrance notes. I love that luxurious, woody aroma that feels sophisticated and seductive.
Interlude Man is one of the most long lasting perfumes for men I have ever tried. Even after 12 hours, I’m still getting new notes coming through. It’s a fragrance that develops over the course of wearing it; you might say it’s something of a journey.
I love this perfume for moments where I want to feel confident and put together at the same time as having an air of mystery about myself. It’ll be impossible to walk past someone and for them not to smell you. I’d say be prepared to be bombarded with compliments.
11. Givenchy Gentleman
Proof that longevity comes from a tried and tested method.
I am talking about the 1974 version of Givenchy Gentleman and not the 2017 remake. These are two entirely different fragrances and the newer version doesn’t have a lot to offer in terms of being long lasting in my eyes.
The original version of Givenchy Gentleman is a powerful and super long lasting fragrance that’s ideal for men who like a classic scent.
The beauty of Givenchy Gentleman ’74 is that its sillage is persistent for around five hours. But even after this, you have a dried down scent that’ll linger for double that length of time. I think this makes it perfect for a date night. You get a nice strong and intense smell when you need it, which develops into more intimate when you have your alone time.
12. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir
A must for amber lovers.
One of the first things I noticed about MFK Grand Soir was how intense it is right away. You really only need a tiny amount otherwise you’re going to find yourself in a cloud of fragrance for a good five to six hours.
After this time, the perfume dries down a little and becomes more bearable, for want of a better word. It’s not that the first few hours are unpleasant, it’s just that you cannot get away from the smell. Once it dries down, you get softer, sweeter vanilla notes that feel sensual and warm.
I’m a huge fan of Dior’s Ambre Nuit and Grand Soir has many similarities to this fragrance. I’ve even layered the two and also mixed in some TF Tobacco Vanille. Worth a try if you’re brave enough.
13. Dior Tobacolor
Sweet and smoky sexiness in a bottle.
I’ve long been a fan of the Collection Privee from Dior but while all of the fragrances are marketed as unisex, some are more masculine than others. Tobacolor is perhaps one of the manliest and sensual scents in the range and boy does it last!
I purchased this as soon as it was launched in 2021 and sprayed some on a coat. I recently took that coat out of my closet and could STILL smell the perfume. Yes, you’ll have to fork out for this one but the longevity and massive projection make it a worthwhile investment.
Tobacolor is ideal for a night out when you want to impress and show off your mysterious side. The honey and amber notes add a sweetness to the scent while still allowing you to feel manly and in control.
14. Tom Ford Oud Wood
Perfect for layering.
From the Private Collection, designed to be worn alone or with other fragrances from the collection, Oud Wood is a unisex perfume that really packs a punch.
As I mentioned earlier, I’m a huge oud fan, but as well as that, the performance does not disappoint. I had some people tell me that they find it to have a medicinal oud smell, but that’s not the case for me. I feel the oud in this is raw, intense and almost dirty. In a good way.
What I really enjoy about Oud Wood is that it’s very long lasting without being in your face. It projects nicely but at arm’s length in order to get a good whiff. It’s for this reason that I think Oud Wood is a much more multipurpose perfume than some other long lasting fragrances.
15. La Nuit De L’Homme by Yves Saint Laurent
Masculinity in liquid form.
In case you’re looking for a perfume that’s going to make you feel powerful and manly then there aren’t many other scents I’d recommend. La Nuit de L’Homme is highly aromatic and intense at the same time as being confident and elegant.
I’d wear this to almost any event I possibly could. However, I sometimes have to remind myself that La Nuit de L’Homme is a real banger and could be overwhelming on certain occasions. No, the projection isn’t as strong as some perfumes I’ve discussed here but it could be headache inducing in an enclosed setting.
If you’re looking for something that’ll last, spray a few doses of this and you’ll be good to go for quite a long time. However, I find that spraying it on my clothing makes it last the longest so I’ll do this when I know I’m going to be out all day and still want to smell fresh.
How To Make A Perfume Last Longer
Sometimes, you can buy what you believe to be a long lasting perfume but it doesn’t perform as you expected. I get how annoying this is but the good news is that there are things you can do to make your perfume last longer.
One of the first things to consider is the type of perfume you’re buying. Parfum and Eau de Parfum contain a higher percentage of perfume oils and therefore last longer than some like an Eau de Toilette or Eau de Cologne, which has less perfume oil.
But regardless of this, you can still improve the longevity by applying your cologne correctly. Remember that perfume lasts longer on oily skin than dry skin. But even if your skin is naturally quite dry, adding some moisturizer beforehand can help your perfume to cling to the skin for longer. If you do this, it can be helpful to use a lotion with the same scent as the perfume.
I’d always recommend applying perfume straight after you shower. Your skin will still be moist and this gives the fragrance something to hold on to. Plus, you’re starting with a clean base so there won’t be any other smells interfering with the scent of your perfume.
Don’t just spray perfume all over yourself haphazardly. This isn’t going to make it last. In fact, less is more and you only really need to apply it to your pulse points. This included the middle of the neck on that little soft spot, behind the ears, on the wrists, behind the knees, and in the center of your chest.
This is because these points are slightly more warm than other parts of your body. Since perfume reacts to heat, you’ll get constant whiffs of your scent all through the day.
How To Spot A Fake Perfume Bottle
Since we’re often required to pay a little more for a perfume that’s going to last for hours, some perfume sellers offer cheaper versions. However, these are usually disguised as the real deal so you think you’re getting a bargain when the truth of the matter is that you’ve probably got nothing more than a bottle of water with a few drops of essential oil let’s say.
Avoiding fake perfume will help you get a product that’s going to last on your skin and clothes. I can often tell if a perfume is genuine by looking at the packaging.
For starters, authentic perfumes will be wrapped in cellophane. Every other aspect of the packaging will be perfect as genuine brands want to show off their quality and luxury before you even get inside the bottle. Check for imperfections on the packaging such as typing errors in the print, blurry images, and different fonts.
Aside from that, the cardboard will be thick and sturdy as reputable brands want it to properly protect what’s inside. I found that rip offs tend to use thin, cheap cardboard packaging.
The bottle itself will be high quality if it has come from one of the reputable fragrance houses. If it’s a counterfeit, it’ll likely be less weighty and the glass will not be as thick. This is one of the simplest ways to tell if you haven’t got the real deal.
I’d also suggest checking the atomizer. I found that perfume houses like Chanel, Dior, MFK and many of the other high end names, consistently use quality atomisers that definately don’t feel flimsy. If you’ve got something that feels as though it’s going to break when you press it, there’s a good chance it’s a fake.
To get more tips, I wrote a detailed post explaining how to spot a fake Creed perfume including whether it smells the same as the original and of course, how long it lasts.
