The 3 Colognes Every Man Should Own, According to a Dating Coach
In terms of men's grooming, proper cologne can be the perfect accessory. The right scent can put the finishing touch on a date night outfit, help you stand out in a formal setting or just let you smell a little fresher throughout your day-to-day activities.
There are an endless amount of fragrances for men to choose from, but one dating coach thinks there are three that are essential for impressing women.
Blaine Anderson of DatingbyBlaine.com regularly posts videos on her Instagram page advising men on various aspects of dating. In a recent one this week, Anderson details her three must-have colognes for men.
What are they?
Anderson's first recommendation was Tom Ford Noir Extreme, an eau de parfum for men.
"Suave, mysterious and masculine. This smells like James Bond just walked out of a spa, and I love it," she explained.
Next up was Yves Saint Lauren's La Nuit de L'Homme, which was launched in 2009 and translates to "The Night of the Man."
"It is a great evening scent. Good for dinner or late-night drinks, and I guarantee, you will have women leaning in to get a better sniff," Anderson said.
Finally, there is Creed Aventus, which was launched in 2010 and is "an all-time crowd pleaser and compliment getter."
"This one just smells like you have your life together," Anderson added.
More cologne options? Check out the 2026 Men's Journal Grooming Awards
Back in May, Men's Journal published a list of more than a dozen scents for men to use, depending on circumstance.
"The best-smelling cologne for men is highly subjective. Everyone's tastes are different," writes Men's Journal's Dan Michel. "However, we recommend you not let your body wash or deodorant be the first thing people smell. Because that's what too many men do and, frankly, you deserve better. A signature scent will help you stand out—in the best way. But with so many options out there, it's not ideal to start from scratch."
You can check out the best colognes for men, along with the rest of the 2026 Men's Journal Grooming Awards, right here .
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Aug 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sex & Relationships section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
