Whether going on a date or just freshening up after the gym, we all want to smell fresh and cool. Colognes are a great way to brighten up the day and change not only how we feel but also how others perceive us. Unfortunately, the cologne world can be tricky to navigate due to the wide array of smells, concentrations and prices.
And while we all might have a memory of being stuck in an elevator with someone who used way too much of an intense and cheap cologne, there are actually a number of options that will enliven the senses without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a great cheap cologne, the Old Spice Classic Cologne is a crisp, timeless scent you’re sure to love.
What to know before you buy cheap cologne
What is cheap cologne?
Typically, “cologne” is any fragrance marketed to men, while “perfume” is used when marketing to women. Both are fragrances derived from natural and synthetic compounds, mixed into an oil or other carrier for scent. The oils are often a small percentage of the total volume of the fragrance, and there are different official terms delineating fragrance by quantity of perfume oil. Parfum contains 20%-40% perfume oils, eau de parfum contains 15%-20% perfume oils, eau de toilette contains 10%-15% perfume oils, eau de cologne contains 3%-8% perfume oils, body mists are 2%-3% perfume oils and aftershave is around 1% perfume oils.
Men’s cologne is not always eau de cologne and can actually fall into any of the categories above, and quite often in the eau de parfum category. Cheap colognes, however, are often going to be within the body mist and aftershave concentration. The perfume oils are ultimately the most expensive component of the product, so the greater the percentage of concentrated smell within the fragrance, generally speaking, the higher the price. Drugstore colognes have lower-quality oils and less complexity than more expensive fragrances.
Finding the right scent
Scent is perhaps the most deeply personal and independent of the senses. Smelling, or olfaction, uses the olfactory bulb which is an independent organ system with a specific neural circuit linked directly to the brain. Scent can access the brain in somewhat known but also somewhat mysterious ways; smelling salts can wake us from unconsciousness and a warm apple pie can evoke a memory of fall or childhood.
A unique feature to smell is that preferences can be loud and pronounced. What smells pleasant to you might rub someone else the wrong way or evoke an unpleasant memory. Good colognes, particularly in the cheap range, tend toward mild scents that are less likely to be confrontational.
Make sure to try cologne on your skin, even if you like the fragrance out of the bottle. Each person has a distinct smell composition that might complement or clash with a fragrance. A good scent will accentuate your natural smell while also providing pleasant and subtle notes of nature or food.
Cheap cologne features
Spray
Cologne is typically misted or spritzed onto the neck or wrists. But not all misters are created equal. Some spray in a tightly concentrated cone, while others push the fragrance out into a cloud. We recommend that you try out the spritz by sending it out into the air before applying it so that you can dial in your preferred dosage.
Other bottles will not spray at all and will instead have you dab the cologne directly onto the skin. Fragrances with lower concentrations of aromatic oils are typically sprayed into the air while more concentrated fragrances will often have you dab.
Size
Not all bottles of cologne have the same volumetric measurements, and frequently you will see very large bottles of cologne advertised for sale. Fragrances, particularly ones with natural oils, will break down over time and lose a lot of potency within even a year’s time. Unless you intend to apply your cologne liberally, purchasing small bottles that you can work through in a few months’ time is best.
Scent
Below is a list of scents often found in cologne, along with a brief description of their profiles. Many colognes will feature several scents at once, so context can be helpful when trying to isolate your favorite characteristics in a fragrance.
Citrus: These oils are fresh and might smell like orange, lemon or grapefruit.
Green: This scent is herbal and might smell like thyme, rosemary or even grass.
Woody: Smells like pine, cedar and sandalwood are very popular in men’s cologne.
Oriental: Very strong and potent, these smells show up less frequently in cheap perfumery. Might smell like myrrh, vanilla or clove.
Dry woods: Smoke, leather and tobacco notes can make a cologne feel warm and like a log cabin.
Mossy woods: A scent derived from moss, it can remind us of the woods but not in an overt pine or cedar.
Floral: More common in women’s perfume, floral notes like jasmine can be lovely perfume when applied sparingly.
Water: Synthetic oils that remind us of an ocean breeze or the feeling of steam.
Cheap cologne cost
While designer colognes can cost upwards of $100, cheap and drugstore colognes will hover somewhere between $10-$50. Good cheap cologne can be found within this range, and if you start to really fall in love with scent profiles, you can begin to look at the next tier of quality, between $60-$100.
Cheap cologne FAQ
Should I buy cologne for my partner?
A. Potentially. People often select their fragrance based on what their partner enjoys. If you like the smell of a cologne, many cheap colognes are within a price range where you could buy it and if your partner doesn’t like it then it won’t hurt your wallet. That said, cologne mixes uniquely with each person’s innate scent, so just because you like a smell does not mean that you will like it on your partner.
Can cologne cause a rash?
A. Yes. Some people can experience allergic reactions when exposed to a perfume or cologne. Most allergic reactions to perfumes are caused by chemicals (often unlisted on the bottle), but more often than not, small red bumps or mild sneezing is as bad as the reaction gets.
Occasionally, people will experience more dramatic cases, in which case consider getting allergen testing or call 911 if you experience a fever or have trouble breathing.
Which cheap cologne should I get?
Best of the best cheap cologne
Old Spice Classic Cologne: available at Amazon
Our take: The Old Spice scent is truly a classic, and its crisp scent is potent and distinctly masculine.
What we like: The cologne comes in a pack of two 4.25-ounce bottles which is a good amount for testing a product and then getting a few months of service out of it. It is a strong fragrance that, when applied liberally, can be very pleasant and utilitarian.
What we dislike: Old Spice is a strong fragrance and that can be overwhelming for some. While it receives mostly high ratings, the smell will be the “Old Spice” smell and will not accentuate your natural scent profile.
Best bang for your buck cheap cologne
Adidas Team Five Special Edition Eau De Toilette Spray: available at Amazon
Our take: This fragrance is subtle yet bright with citrus top notes and a musk undertone. For the price, there is little out there that can complement your natural scent like the Team Five.
What we like: Eau de toilette spray must contain at least 10% of fragrant oils, and very little at this price point can boast that potency. Plus, the smell is subtle and will be a crowd pleaser, or at least not a crowd offender.
What we dislike: For some looking for a bold and brash scent profile, the Team Five will underwhelm with its subtle citrus profile.
Honorable mention cheap cologne
Pure Instinct Pheromone-Infused Cologne: available at Amazon
Our take: Beloved by TikTok, the cologne uses Androstenone and Copulin compounds to purportedly improve moods and relationships.
What we like: Whether the pheromone element of the product works, the fruit and cinnamon notes in the fragrance are truly enjoyable. Plus, it comes in a slender package that makes it ideal for travel.
What we dislike: The cologne is applied via a roller mechanism, and if you are hoping to apply it onto clothes, it may be challenging.
Chad Vickers 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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