10 Best Sweet Colognes for Men That Break Stereotypes

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 09, 2024
Best Sweet Cologne
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Gone are the days when fruity and floral scents were deemed "just for women”. This is the time to break down gender stereotypes and embrace fragrances that appeal to your personality — sweet, gentle, warm, comforting, and inviting scents can be masculine as well. So, we have picked the best sweet colognes for men that can help you dive headlong into the gorgeous explosion for the senses that sweeter scents can offer. 

There are 3 main sweet scent categories to explore — fruity fragrances like Demeter Sweet Orange offer refreshing, light notes with natural sweetness. We're talking oranges, juicy cherries, and other tantalizing fruits. 

Floral scents use blooms like jasmine and rose to craft a sweet, romantic vibe. A standout sweet floral cologne for men for us is 4711 Jasmine, with its sensual fragrance.. 

Gourmand colognes like Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla smell good enough to eat as they whip up scrumptious scents with notes of chocolate, vanilla, and more.

There’s more on our list along with full reviews, so read on to find a sweet-smelling cologne that works for you the best!

10 Best Sweet Colognes for Men That Are Addictive

The bold, woody fragrance of Ralph Lauren Polo Black opens with a burst of juicy iced mango and cool silver armoise for a refreshing tropical twist. Heart notes of patchouli noir and sandalwood offer an alluring, sensual core while a musky base note lingers temptingly on the skin. The sweetness of this mysterious fragrance is not overpowering and instead, creates a subtle seductive effect on the skin. 

For an Eau de toilette, we found this to be very long-lasting — while the top notes vanish, the base becomes a skin scent and lasts for the longer part of the day. We recommend this for men who want a bright fragrance that’s masculine and sophisticated with a hint of gentleness. 

Key Notes: Mango, Mandarin, Cardamom, Jasmine, Silver, Ozone, Moss, Patchouli, Cedarwood

Scent: Tropical, Sweet, Woody

Concentration: Eau de Toilette

Size: 4.2 Fl Oz

Pros
  • Refreshing, warm, and masculine fragrance
  • Affordable price point
  • TSA-compliant bottle size
  • Good projection
  • Good longevity
  • Fairly good sillage
  • Can be suitable for both genders
Cons
  • None
  • Best Intimate Scent

    4711 Jasmine Eau de Cologne

     4711 Jasmine Eau de Cologne
  • It may seem strange to have a jasmine fragrance listed amongst the best sweet colognes for men, but trust us when we say that you need this on your radar! The 4711 Jasmine Eau de Cologne has a sweet, green aroma that instantly creates a feeling of warmth and contentment — based on our experience, we can safely say that ladies love that. 

    We found that though jasmine is an important note in this fragrance and gives it that sweetness, the zestiness of neroli is quite prominent and the cologne is nicely rounded off with a balanced base of creamy tonka bean, earthy musk, and woody cedar. 

    We recommend this for men who are bold enough to embrace the romanticism of spring and summer blooms as this intimate fragrance can uplift your mood and transport you to a blossoming garden wonderland.

    Key Notes: Bergamot, Tea, Jasmine, Neroli, Musk, Cedar, Tonka Bean

    Scent: Amber Floral 

    Concentration: Eau de Cologne

    Size: 3.4 Fl Oz

    Pros
    • Elegant
    • Balanced
    • Great everyday scent
    • Suits all seasons
    • Lasts up to 6 hours
    • Good price point
    Cons
    • Moderate sillage
  • Editor’s Pick

    Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla

    Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla
  • Thoughtfully designed by world-class scent experts using only the finest ingredients, Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla delivers a layered, long-lasting, complex sensory experience with multiple fragrance notes. We love the perfect blend of savory and sweet in its scent profile — for the price tag, it is undoubtedly amongst the best sweet-smelling men’s colognes out there. 

    We recommend this for men who want a warm, captivating, and rich scent that feels adventurous, yet refined.

    Key Notes: Cardamom, Cashmere Wood, Bourbon Vanilla, Vetiver

    Scent: Vanilla

    Concentration: Eau de Toilette

    Size: 3.4 Fl Oz

    Pros
    • Refreshing fragrance
    • Great dry down
    • Gorgeous bottle design
    • Ideal for late spring and summer
    • Not overpowering
    Cons
    • No sillage
  • Best for Travel

    Demeter Sweet Orange Pick Me Up Cologne Spray

    Demeter Sweet Orange Pick Me Up Cologne Spray
  • The bright, sweet citrus scent of Demeter’s Sweet Orange Pick Me Up cologne spray captures the essence of fresh orange zest. What impressed us most is that it’s not a synthetic orange fragrance — the scent is exactly like that of an orange freshly picked off a tree. And there’s a good reason for that; it’s made with natural essential oils, so just a spritz is enough to conjure up visions of peeling a juicy navel orange on a sunny winter morning.

    We like how the crispy and tangy top notes of this cologne do not overshadow its balanced sweetness and depth. Although the scent profile is suitable for both men and women, we recommend this to any man looking for a fresh, energizing, sweet cologne that hits all the right notes. 

    Key Notes: Orange Peel

    Scent: Citrus and Sweet

    Concentration: Eau de Cologne

    Size: 1 Fl. Oz

    Pros
    • Fresh and sweet smell
    • Becomes a good skin scent as the top notes wear off
    • Affordable price point
    • Very versatile and can be layered with many scents
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Not very long-lasting

    Quick Tip:

    You can apply unscented lotion and spray it on to make it last long. This also layers well with other fruity or gourmand perfumes.

  • Most Versatile Use

    Aromi Handsome Solid Cologne

    Aromi Handsome Solid Cologne
  • The first solid cologne for men on our list, Aromi Handsome Solid Cologne evokes masculine confidence and sophistication with its sweet vanilla meets musk fragrance. With top notes of mandarin and rosemary balanced by warm vanilla, sandalwood, and musk base notes, this classic scent can seamlessly transition from day to night. 

    We love how versatile and multi-purpose this product is — layer on as you wish for fragrance plus you can also use it as a moisturizer, hair product, or beard balm! The convenient 1-ounce metal tin it comes in also makes it ideal for travel or daily use. Pick this sophisticated fragrance if you want a budget-friendly, top-quality sweet cologne with timeless masculine appeal.

    Key Notes: Vanilla, Sandalwood, Mandarin, Rosemary, Pine, Woods

    Scent: Sweet Vanilla

    Concentration: Cologne

    Size: 1 Oz

    Pros
    • Not overpowering
    • Can be layered for desired fragrance intensity
    • Easy portability
    • Alcohol-free formula
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Small size
  • Most Long-lasting

    18.21 Man Made Absolute Mahogany

    18.21 Man Made Absolute Mahogany
  • 18.21 Man Made in Absolute Mahogany is a high-quality cologne for men seeking a crisp, herbaceous scent with depth and longevity. It opens with bright citrus notes of Italian mandarin and bergamot, complimented by spicy cardamom. The fragrance transitions into an earthy heart of cassia bark, clary sage, and cinnamon. We love how this complex blend creates a sophisticated, sweet, and woodsy aroma that is noticeable yet perfectly balanced.

    We are aware that this one is a bit on the pricier side; however, we feel that with its perfume-grade oils and expert blending, this cologne makes a great pick, especially for men looking for an impressively long-lasting fragrance. 

    Key Notes: Mandarin, Bergamot, Cardamom, Cassia Bark, Clary Sage, Cinnamon, Jasmine, Cedar, Mahogany Woods, Tonka Bean, Tahitian Vanilla Bean, Golden Amber

    Scent: Sweet and Woody

    Concentration: Parfum grade

    Size: 3.4 Fl Oz

    Pros
    • 20% oil blend, 80% denatured alcohol
    • Good longevity and depth
    • Pronounced sillage
    • Good balance of sweet, herbaceous, and woodsy
    • A little goes a long way
    • Great for gifting
    Cons
    • Slightly pricey
  • Best for Daytime Outdoor Dates

    Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne Spray

    Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne Spray
  • English Pear & Freesia is for those who love fresh, fruity fragrances with a romantic, sophisticated edge. Its crisp pear and floral notes are uplifting and refreshing, perfect for daytime wear in summer and spring. This cologne spray can be best described as a unisex fragrance, yet we cannot stop recommending this, especially for men — after all, it’s inspired by the romantic poetry of John Keats and has a dry down of warm patchouli, amber, and musk. 

    If you love pear notes in perfumes, you will be delighted to find them throughout this idyllic fragrance, giving it a mouthwatering crispness and juiciness that is refreshing yet sophisticated. 

    Key Notes: Pear, Melon, Freesia, Rose, Musk, Patchouli, Rhubarb, Amber

    Scent: Fruity Floral

    Concentration: Eau de Cologne

    Size: 1 Oz

    Pros
    • Good longevity
    • Great for special events
    • Fresh, refined fragrance
    • Moderate sillage
    • Great for gifting
    • Unisex
    Cons
    • Not complex enough for some
  • Best for Gifting

    King of Love Eau de Toilette

    King of Love Eau de Toilette
  • King of Love is a playful cologne that comes in a gift-ready heart-shaped bottle, and the bottle design isn't the only good thing about it. It’s crafted free of harsh chemicals, which makes it gentle enough for sensitive skin. As for the fragrance, it is a wonderful blend of fresh, warm, and masculine — refreshing citrus top notes of ruby mandarin orange and grapefruit dry down to leave hints of leather, amber, and sandalwood for a subtle sweetness and sensuality. 

    It mingles well with the skin, combining with unique skin chemistry to develop into a unique, personalized, signature scent. Based on our observation, this one’s a top blind pick for gifting. 

    Key Notes: Citrus, Mint, Spices, Leather, Amber, Sandalwood

    Scent: Fruity with leathery finish

    Concentration: Eau de Toilette

    Size: 3.3 Fl Oz

    Pros
    • Natural ingredients
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    • Interacts with pheromones to create unique scent
    • Great bottle design
    • Perfect for gifting
    • Long-lasting
    • Affordable price point
    • Chemical-free
    Cons
    • May not appeal to all noses
  • Best Solid Cologne

    Calamity Jane by Outlaw

    Calamity Jane by Outlaw
  • With top notes of fresh orange and spicy clove followed by cinnamon warmth and a subtle whiskey finish, Outlaw’s Calamity Jane solid cologne is a rugged yet refined scent, which makes it perfect for the modern cowboy or cowgirl with a rebellious streak. What impressed us most is that it's crafted with natural ingredients to nourish skin, and comes in eco-friendly packaging. 

    We found that this spicy-sweet blend smells like “sass” as the packaging label mentions. So, whether you're an urban adventurer or a free spirit who carries the spirit of the Wild West in your heart, this solid cologne can speak to your bold, daring side and be the perfect pick.

    Key Notes: Orange, Cinnamon, Clove, Whiskey

    Scent: Spicy Sweet

    Concentration: Cologne

    Size: 0.5 Oz

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Great for travel
    • Cruelty-free
    • Infused with nourishing jojoba oil and beeswax
    • Eco-friendly, responsibly packaged
    Cons
    • Pricey for the quantity

    Quick Tip:

    To apply, dip your fingertips into the cologne to take a small amount, warm it up between your thumb and index finger, and then dab on your preferred pulse points. Layer if you want more intensity.

  • Best Clean Formula

    Snif Ex on the Beach

    Snif Ex on the Beach
  • Formulated for lasting power without overwhelming the senses, Snif Ex on the Beach surrounds you in fruity, floral, woody bliss. For both men and women seeking a crowd-pleasing, vacation-in-a-bottle scent, this exotic fragrance is a dream. On trying the product, we found that the juicy fig and sweet floral notes blend beautifully with earthy cedarwood for an addictive fragrance that's floral and woodsy all at once. There is also a smokiness somewhere that we adored. 

    Its clean ingredients, minimalist allure, and playful yet sophisticated scent profile are truly impressive. 

    Key Notes: Fig, Ylang Ylang, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Peony, Cedarwood

    Scent: Sweet Woody Floral

    Concentration: Eau de Toilette

    Size: 30 ml

    Pros
    • Unique twist of fig note
    • Unisex
    • Generous quantity
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • No parabens or phthalates
    • Great packaging
    • Great for gifting
    Cons
    • May be too “dry” for some

    Buying Guide to Help You Pick the Best Sweet Cologne

    Fragrance Concentration

    Are you looking for a scent that lasts all day or just a quick spritz to refresh? How a perfume lasts comes down to one thing — concentration. The higher the concentration, the longer that captivating aroma lingers.

    • Eau de Parfum is the power player, with 15-25% fragrance concentration. Just one spray envelops you in that exquisite scent for a full 8-10 hours. 
    • For everyday allure, go for Eau de Toilette. With 8-15% fragrance concentration, it caresses your senses for 6-8 hours. It’s subtle, yet makes an impression. Mist it over your clothes and on your warm spots for a softer but sensuous scent.
    • When you need a quick pick-me-up, keep Eau de Cologne in your bag. At just 2-7% concentration, it lasts around 2 hours, giving you a fresh boost whenever you need it. Spritz as needed to revive your senses all day long.

    So choose your concentration wisely. Whether you want to leave a lasting impression or just a fleeting flirtation, there's a fragrance concentration for you. 

    Scent Family And Key Notes

    Most sweet perfumes belong to floral, woody, or oriental scent families. Occasionally, fruity notes from the fresh fragrance family make their way to sweet perfumes. You can pick from either, depending on what kind of notes resonate more with you. 

    • Floral perfumes are most commonly sweet — think roses, peonies, jasmine, lily. Depending on the blends, they can be light and delicate or intense and complex. We like Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne Spray in this fragrance family. 
    • Oriental fragrances can be sweet, warm, and even spicy and usually offer a more complex and luxurious olfactory experience. Think cardamon, vanilla, amber, or patchouli blended with florals and woods. 18.21 Man Made Absolute Mahogany is not typically oriental and has more woody undertones, but offers a similar experience. 
    • Woody perfumes can be dry or wet; while the dry woody scents lean towards being smoky, the moss-like earthy notes in some woody perfumes can result in a fragrant sweetness with depth. 

    Sometimes, perfumers create unique and heavenly overlaps. By looking at the kind of fragrance families and perfume notes you lean towards, you can pick the perfect sweet cologne for yourself.

    Conclusion

    When it comes to finding the best sweet colognes for men, it is wise to not restrict yourself to families that you may tend to think are more “masculine”. For instance, florals are typically categorized as feminine scents, but you may be pleasantly surprised that floral notes like lily of the valley, orange blossoms, rose, and jasmine feature in men’s colognes quite commonly. Ralph Lauren Polo Black contains heart notes of jasmine and can be considered one of the most popular sweet-smelling colognes for men — we certainly dig it. The point is, don’t be afraid to dive deep and find the perfect sweet match for yourself. Ladies will love it, we bet.

    FAQ's

    Are sweet colognes suitable for all occasions?
    Sweet colognes are suitable for all occasions; however, it is wise to pick depending on the overall scent profile and intensity of sweetness. For instance, candy or bubblegum scents may not suit formal occasions whereas floral or woody sweet may be apt for it.
    Do sweet colognes last long on the skin?
    How long a cologne will last on the skin depends mostly on its perfume concentration and moisturization levels of the skin. Eau de perfumes usually last longer than Eau de toilettes, which typically last longer than Eau de colognes.
    Are there specific sweet colognes for men and women, or can they be unisex?
    Most sweet colognes are unisex, such as Demeter’s Sweet Orange Pick Me Up Cologne Spray and Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne Spray. However, there are also gender-specific sweet colognes, such as Aromi Handsome Solid Cologne for men.
    Are there sweet colognes that offer a fresh or citrusy twist?
    Sweet colognes are usually from floral, woody, and oriental families. However, there are some very well-balanced citrusy and fresh sweet colognes out there as well, such as Demeter Sweet Orange Pick Me Up Cologne Spray and King of Love Eau de Toilette.
    What is the best sweet smell?
    The best sweet smell is subjective; However notes of vanilla in sweet perfumes is very popular and great for men who want to venture into sweet colognes.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, our in-house beauty and makeup expert, has a great nose for perfumes and a passion to keep experimenting with different fragrances. She is a firm believer in the powerful impact of using the right fragrance for the right occasion and is on a mission to make her readers embrace sweet scents, given that they are the most versatile. She recommends 4711 Jasmine for its romance (think intimate date nights) and Calamity Jane by Outlaw for its bold, unisex appeal. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More