15 Man-Approved Scents to Give Your Guy This Valentine's Day

This vacation-ready scent smells like sipping a piña colada (hey, some guys like sugar with their rum!) while relaxing on a hammock blowing in the breeze. It may not last super long, but you’ll want to reapply to get a whiff of that island fun.

Marc Jacobs For Men Eau De Toilette ($85)

Maybe it’s the black-glass, flask-shaped bottle, but John Varvatos’s Dark Rebel is seriously mysterious in the best way. There’s a slight woody scent with enough hints of leather that helps eschew a James Dean-level cool. Perfect for a leather-jacket-and-dark-jeans evening.

John Varvatos Dark Rebel Eau De Toilette ($86)

There’s a casual elegance to this iconic French-made scent that combines scents of mint, citrus, wood, musk, and amber. It’s milder than some of the other fashion-house offerings thanks to fresh citrus notes.

Cartier Pasha de Edition Noire Sport Eau de Toilette ($110)

It’s no surprise that many men swear by this fragrance despite its hefty price tag. Aventus exudes pure masculinity albeit without any arrogance. It’s straight-up classy. Reviewers have said it’s like crack to those who wear it, and the family-owned brand delivers with a long-lasting scent that carries with it hints of bright pineapple and a dash of patchouli.

Creed Aventus ($395)

The latest addition to the Dior Homme fragrance collection is a new essential. The key word here is "crisp": think fresh-pressed cotton shirts, fresh grapefruits, and a lingering white musk. The fact that it now comes in a mammoth 200ml-size glass bottle with frosted sides is the icing on the cake.

Dior Homme Cologne ($94)

It’s rare you find a unisex fragrance that really does work well for either sex. But Prada has tapped into something special here with its Olfactories collection. My favorite? Cargo De Nuit. It’s all about freshness with this one — think an airy backyard with fresh linens blowing in the springtime breeze. A wise purchase if you want to share a classy gift with your man.

Prada Olfactories Cargo De Nuit ($300)

It sounds silly to say this fragrance smells, well, blue — but damned if you aren’t instantly taken seaside after catching one whiff of this breezy scent. It’s not as chest-puffing masculine as some of its counterparts, and that’s a good thing. Perfect for a Sunday Funday.

Acqua di Parma Cedro di Taormina Eau de Toilette ($102)

If Purple Label sounds familiar, it’s because RL has an entire clothing line bearing that name. This scent is the perfect companion to the fashion line’s classic elegance. It starts out fresh, mossy, and sweet and then bursts with notes of tobacco blossom, sage, and thyme. Production of purple label slowed down a few years ago, but now it’s back.

Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cologne For Men ($102)

There’s no denying Zegna equals refined, and this fragrance is no different. This scent is definitively masculine and is probably best worn for evening affairs rather than casual daytime strolling. It carries with it a golden glow — not to mention a similar-hued appearance — and at its heart is a woodiness crafted directly from bitter orange trees. A splash of this when wearing a tuxedo is the perfect combination.

Ermenegildo Zegna Mediterranean Neroli ($200)

There's strong bold and ubermasculine, and then there's Tom Ford Noir Extreme. Don't expect your man to put on this amber-soaked scent and not get some discernible glances in his direction. Yes, it's made with Indian Kulfi inspired by 16th century emperors. But that's just the fine print: the brusque woody scent is what you'll be remembering.

Tom Ford Noir Extreme ($100)

Don’t let the moderate price fool you: Kenneth Cole’s Mankind is a top-notch fragrance for a steal of a price. It’s not as spicy as some of its competitors, which is a good thing. And unlike some seasonal fragrances, mankind can be worn year-round. Definitely a bargain buy!

Kenneth Cole Mankind ($76)

The name says it all: this fragrance is not only light and airy but every bit as refreshing as that first sip of water on a hot Summer day. There’s just a dash of a spicy woody musk, but it’s the basil, juniper, berry, and violet leaf that jump out from the first spray.

Clean For Men Classic: Eau de Toilette ($38)

I love how Margiela creates a story with each of its fragrances. This standout is expertly crafted to re-create the feeling of being at the barbershop circa 1992 Madrid, that scent of fresh shaving cream and leather armchairs emanating with each drop. All you need for your man is a straight razor to complete the experience.

Maison Martin Margiela Replica ($125)

This classic is truly a special scent that works just as well in the office setting as a night out. It’s like strapping on an orange-peel bracelet and strolling through the woods. It’s rounded out with a dash of grapefruit, pepper, and fresh spices.

Terre d'Hermès ($86)

Givenchy’s latest line of fragrances includes this aromatic citrus-infused scent. While it is, of course, made for a gentleman, with its light lemon and minty notes, it could easily work well on a woman as well.

Givenchy Gentlemen Only Casual Chic ($64)