Gucci colognes are as eclectic and popular as the brand’s famed clothes and accessories. With a range of scents, from the light and earthy Gucci Memoire to the seductive and mysterious Gucci Pour Homme, the Italian luxury line has a fragrance for every style and occasion.
The brand’s Guilty Black Pour Homme is among the most versatile of its colognes, ideal for both day and night. It has a warm woodsy scent and a hint of spice.
What to know before you buy a Gucci cologne
Gucci fragrances are produced by Coty, the beauty giant that also makes fragrances for other designer labels, including Burberry, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Tiffany & Co., Marc Jacobs, Lacoste and Alexander McQueen. For more on the range of Gucci colognes, check out the buying guide from the staff at BestReviews.
Cologne concentrations
Gucci colognes are available in different strengths, from light eau de toilettes to heavier eau de parfums. This does not mean that Gucci eau de toilette colognes lack staying power. One of the reasons the Gucci Guilty Pour Homme collection is so popular is that its fans boast about the fragrances’ longevity, no matter the concentration.
Cologne notes
Each Gucci cologne differs in its blend of notes, which can range from cheerful juniper berries to sensual sandalwood. One note found consistently in Gucci colognes is lavender, a calming scent that blends well with other notes, from the exotic and spicy to the fresh and citrusy.
Classic vs. contemporary Gucci colognes
Gucci by Gucci comes in a thick square bottle, which represents this cologne’s classic scent and appeal. The classic Gucci colognes include Made to Measure, Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme and Gucci Pour Homme. The contemporary Gucci cologne collection is called Gucci Guilty. Gucci Guilty Pour Homme is trendier than Gucci Pour Homme, for example, with a scent that tends to appeal to younger customers.
Gucci cologne features
Bottle design
Gucci cologne bottles are as beautifully designed as you might expect from the luxury tastemaker. Gucci cologne bottles are also durable. Classic Gucci colognes come in thick block bottles, representing the established executive. The Gucci Guilty Pour Homme fragrances come in bottles that look like flasks to appeal to a younger demographic.
Layering
The ability to layer Gucci colognes is one of the benefits of having various scents from the same collection. You can apply a light layer of Gucci Guilty Pour Homme on the wrist and spray Gucci Guilty Black Pour Homme on top for a bespoke fragrance. You can do the same with Gucci by Gucci and Made to Measure for a complex, sophisticated fragrance that is sure to turn heads.
Available in eau de parfum
Unlike fragrances designed for women, few men’s fragrances come in eau de parfum concentrations. Gucci Guilty Pour Homme is available as an eau de parfum. The Gucci Guilty Pour Homme eau de parfum is more than just a stronger version of the eau de toilette, however. The eau de parfum features rose and chili pepper notes and is a throwback to Gucci fragrances from the 1970s.
Gucci cologne cost
Gucci colognes range from $54 for a travel-size bottle to more than $330 for exclusive bottles available only at Gucci boutiques. Eau de parfums are more expensive than eau de toilettes.
Gucci cologne FAQ
How does Gucci cologne compare to other designer men’s fragrances?
A. Gucci colognes are among the most popular men’s luxury fragrances. They are known for their intense, sensual scent profiles and long staying power.
Does Gucci cologne last for a long time on the skin?
A. Yes, though Gucci colognes have various degrees of longevity based on the concentration. The eau de toilettes can linger on the skin for hours. The stronger concentrations, like eau de parfums and pure parfums, last on the skin all day or longer.
What’s the best way to store Gucci cologne?
A. If you want your Gucci cologne to retain its scent longer, store it in a dry place with a stable room temperature. Avoid extreme heat or cold, which can change the chemical composition of the fragrance. Also, avoid moist locations, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Which Gucci cologne should I get?
Best of the best Gucci cologne
Gucci Guilty Black Pour Homme: available at Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, Macy’s and Kohl’s
Our take: Gucci Guilty Black Pour Homme has all the smooth qualities of the original Gucci Guilty Pour Homme, plus a spicy kick.
What we like: Notes of lavender, neroli and cedarwood blend to make this scent suitable for day or night. Yet even with traditionally warm wood notes, Gucci Guilty Black Pour Homme maintains a fresh crispness that lends versatility.
What we dislike: Usually, fragrances labeled “black” are more intense than the original. However, Gucci Guilty Black Pour Homme fades faster than the original cologne.
Best bang for your buck Gucci cologne
Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme: available at Macy’s and Sephora
Our take: Soft wood, tobacco leaf and leather notes make Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme a classic, sophisticated cologne.
What we like: A hint of tobacco and jasmine emerges between cypress, violet and bergamot top notes. Patchouli, leather and amber anchor the smoky blend, giving this fragrance a formal, luxe aroma.
What we dislike: First released in 2008, Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme can seem dated to some buyers.
Honorable mention Gucci cologne
Gucci Guilty Pour Homme: available at Sephora, Macy’s, Ulta and Amazon
Our take: Released in 2011, Gucci Guilty Pour Homme quickly became a must-have among fragrance lovers. A splash of lemon gives this masculine fragrance its cleaner, softer side.
What we like: Lavender and lemon notes are as suitable for day as night. This unisex fragrance is a favorite of women as well and a no-brainer as a gift.
What we dislike: This is a younger scent that may not appeal to more mature buyers.
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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