Best Smelling Designer Aftershaves
Reviewed By A Woman
Products
- Carolina Herrera Bad Boy
- John Paul Gaultier Le Male
- Davidoff Cool Water
- Yves Saint Laurent Y
- Paco Rabanne 1 Million
- David Beckham Intimately Beckham
- Emporio Armani Diamonds For Men
Description
A review of 7 men’s designer aftershaves from the nose of a woman to determine which aftershave I think smells the best. I will try to describe each designer aftershave the best I can so you can get a better idea of which after is suitable for you or as a gift. I closed my eyes and tried to imagine the type of guy that would wear the aftershave by the smell.
Each designer aftershave has been given score from 1-10 before I have mentioned the notes which form the main ingredients that form the smells. The top notes are the first smell, the heart notes the second smell and the base notes are the third smell. I have continued to smell each aftershave at least 25 times over the day and night in order that I can give an honest review according to my opinion alone as a woman.
I have described the bottle even though the score is based purely on the smell alone and the price has not been factored into the score.
Review Bad Boy – Carolina Herrera
The smell is warm and lightly spicy, I can smell the floral notes and vanilla. A hint of pepper is detected. The aftershave is slightly sweet and not overpowering. It is quite mild and light. It smells fresh and clean and slightly feminine. It is a nice smelling aftershave and I rather like it. From the shape of the black bottle, I did expect a stronger masculine smell and was quite surprised when I sprayed it on my skin. The bottle is designed as a lightning bolt representing a modern male with who is strong, energetic and confident but is also sensitive and relaxed. He is rebellious as a bad boy hence the name of the aftershave. I think this smell is more suited to a mature man or, a younger man who is mature in nature rather than a younger man. It smells expensive and has a sophistication about it. If I could rename this designer aftershave, I would think the name Sophisticated Man would suit the smell more. I think professional men would like this aftershave.
This brilliant juxtaposition is precisely where the true artistry of the fluid lies, quietly replacing aggressive, generic masculine clichés with a remarkably creamy, close-clinging warmth that feels infinitely more tactile and polished. The underlying structure masterfully weaves together a sophisticated network of mineral-crisp clary sage and rich, dark cocoa husks, ensuring the dry-down never thins out into a sharp, cheap-smelling chemical after-effect. It develops on the neck and cuffs with an ultra-smooth, velvety discipline, throwing out subtle waves of comforting tonka bean that seamlessly integrate with a crisp white shirt or a fine cashmere knit. Ultimately, the formula operates as a masterclass in quiet authority, subverting the dramatic, jagged packaging to deliver an unassailably elegant skin-scent that commands professional respect without ever needing to dominate the room with a loud aromatic presence.
Score
Bad Boy by Carolina Herrera gets 9/10. The more I smell it, the more I like it. It is the type of smell that you want to keep smelling as it is really nice. It is delicate and refreshingly light and sweet. A man could wear this during the day and evening and as the nice sophisticated smell would not be out of place. A man who wants to draw the allure of women would do well with this one. I was really surprised by this one as I expected a masculine youthful smell like a strong deodorant by the Bad Boy name.
This masterful fluid achieves its compelling magnetism by steering completely clear of heavy, aggressive woods, relying instead on a smooth, closely guarded core of warm tonka bean and dark cocoa husk that melts beautifully into the skin. Rather than creating a loud or abrasive barrier, the blend projects an effortlessly polished, clean warmth that behaves like a high-quality cashmere sweater, inviting people closer rather than pushing them away with intense spice. This subtle structural weight allows the comforting aroma to linger gently on collars and cuffs for hours, remaining remarkably unpretentious yet undeniably upscale through a long workday or a crowded social evening. Ultimately, the formula operates as a brilliant exercise in quiet confidence, subverting its rebellious packaging to deliver a highly addictive, charming skin-scent that proves true sophistication is the ultimate form of strength.
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Top Notes
- Bergamot
- White pepper
- Black pepper
Heart Notes
- Sage
- Cedarwood
Base Notes
- Tonka bean
- Cocoa
- Amberwood
Review Le Male – John Paul Gaultier
I absolutely love this smell. It smells strong, florally, woody and slightly chocolatey. I could imagine the type of man that wears this aftershave has style, is ambitious, is respected and mild-mannered. The aftershave lasts for about 12 hours and the smell does not seem to fade as the hours go by. Le Male is one of those aftershaves you just want to keep smelling so I would certainly recommend this one.
As a woman I am very drawn to this smell. The oriental smell of the tonka bean is very noticeable along with the bergamot and amberwood which give it the soft oriental smell. The blue bottle in the shape of the male torso with a striped sailor shirt expresses the sensual freedom of the male. I think this aftershave is suitable for most men as its masculine but the warm woody chocolate notes make it smell outdoorsy and edible at the same time. This is probably my favourite smelling designer aftershave out of all of the ones I have reviewed. I think every man should try Gaultier’s Le Male at least once and I’m sure you will be impressed.
As a woman I am very drawn to this smell. The oriental smell of the tonka bean is very noticeable along with the bergamot and amberwood which give it the soft oriental smell. The blue bottle in the shape of the male torso with a striped sailor shirt expresses the sensual freedom of the male. I think this aftershave is suitable for most men as its masculine but the warm woody chocolate notes make it smell outdoorsy and edible at the same time. This is probably my favourite smelling designer aftershave out of all of the ones I have reviewed.
Score
John Paul Gaultier Le Male deserves 10/10 for its lovely, long-lasting smell. John Paul Gaultier wanted to create the freedom and sensuality of man by combining feminine perfume notes with masculine ones. I think this has worked rather well as the smell is masculine but light with hints of floral but with a light tender touch.
I absolutely love this smell. It smells strong, florally, woody and slightly chocolatey. I could imagine the type of man that wears this aftershave has style, is ambitious, is respected and mild-mannered. The aftershave lasts for about 12 hours and the smell does not seem to fade as the hours go by. Le Male is one of those aftershaves you just want to keep smelling so I would certainly recommend this one.
As a woman I am very drawn to this smell. The oriental smell of the tonka bean is very noticeable along with the bergamot and amberwood which give it the soft oriental smell. The blue bottle in the shape of the male torso with a striped sailor shirt expresses the sensual freedom of the male. I think this aftershave is suitable for most men as its masculine but the warm woody chocolate notes make it smell outdoorsy and edible at the same time. This is probably my favourite smelling designer aftershave out of all of the ones I have reviewed. I think every man should try Gaultier’s Le Male at least once and I’m sure you will be impressed. This timeless liquid masterpiece completely reimagines the boundaries of masculine confidence, staging a beautifully orchestrated dance between sharp, clean freshness and dense, sweet indulgence. It grounds its rich character in a brilliant juxtaposition, allowing a clean breeze of freshly crushed mint leaves and traditional lavender to slice effortlessly through the thick, powdery baseline. As the fluid warms on the skin, it uncoils an incredibly smooth warmth that mimics the comforting texture of a heavy cashmere sweater, projecting an expensive-smelling weight that easily handles a packed schedule or a crisp evening out. Ultimately, the formula operates as a masterclass in quiet magnetism, ensuring that the wearer leaves a highly distinctive, sophisticated impression that commands respect without ever needing to shout.
For me, catching a trace of that beautiful vanilla and mint signature floating through a crowded room is an absolute show-stopper that instantly makes you want to lean in a little closer. It is the absolute ultimate signature scent for a man who wants to look entirely polished and effortless, bringing a wonderful sense of cozy luxury to a simple, everyday routine. Every time my partner wears this, it instantly transforms the atmosphere and brings a sense of upscale elegance to a casual date night. It is that rare, nostalgic classic that never feels dated, but instead feels like a warm, familiar embrace that makes you feel entirely secure and happy just being near it.
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Top Notes
- Mint
- Lavender
- Cardamom
- Artemisia
- Bergamot
Heart Notes
- Orange
- Cumin
- Cinnamon
Base Notes
- Cedar
- Amber
- Tonka bean
- Sandalwood
- Vanilla
Cool water by Davidoff smells like a nice deodorant with a mix of masculine and feminine. The smell gets better after it has a moment to settle on the skin and dry off. The first spray is a bit strong. It seems okay for daywear but I don’t think it is strong enough for the evening if you like a deeper scent. I imagine the type of man who would wear this aftershave is someone who is sporty or likes going the gym and who would use this to freshen up a bit. It’s a mildly pleasant smell and I can smell a bit of all the notes it contains. The smell wears off a bit after 4 hours.
This classic formulation functions as an incredibly reliable, zero-fuss aromatic staple, relying on a hyper-clean, marine architecture that prioritizes simple, post-workout vitality over heavy luxury statement-making. It initializes with a remarkably crisp, piercing blast of seawater, crushed mint, and wild rosemary that instantly revitalizes the senses like an ice-cold shower on a humid afternoon. As that intense introductory wave quietens down, it reveals a very predictable, smooth heart of traditional lavender and clean sandalwood that keeps the profile feeling safely grounded and entirely unpretentious. This breezy, uncomplicated development delivers an exceptionally easygoing skin scent that floats effortlessly through a casual morning schedule without ever crowding a room or feeling too dense. Ultimately, the juice acts as an invaluable grooming tool for a quick casual refresh, perfectly capturing a clean, timeless energy that requires absolutely no special occasion to enjoy.
For me, keeping a bottle of this in a locker or gym bag is the ultimate way to lock down an immediate sense of reassurance after a hard workout. It is that rare, nostalgic blue bottle that doesn’t demand you dress up to wear it, providing a wonderful, refreshing blast of uncomplicated marine freshness that just makes you feel completely clean, active, and ready to face the rest of a busy afternoon.
Score
I give Cool Water by Davidoff 6/10. It’s okay but doesn’t really stand out to me. The deep blue bottle is designed to evoke the crisp freshness of the ocean with the wavy lines at the sides of the bottle. A nice freshen up kind of aftershave so I think the bottle and the smell make this aftershave for an outdoor sporty younger male.
This straightforward composition prioritizes functional, energetic utility over complex luxury storytelling, providing a reliable blast of aquatic crispness that is perfectly suited for a casual post-match locker room refresh. Rather than unfolding in rich, heavy layers of dense spice or smoky resins, the fluid moves along a very predictable trajectory of clean lavender and green coriander that mimics the uncomplicated sharpness of premium soap. It stays close to the skin as a light, breezy veil of ocean-misted woods that effortlessly carries an active teenager or university student through lectures without overcomplicating their personal space. Ultimately, it functions as a safe, introductory staple for a budding fragrance collection, delivering a classic, athletic vibe that offers a reliable burst of daily motivation rather than a dramatic evening statement.
Honestly, while it might not carry the mysterious weight required for a formal night out, there is a wonderfully nostalgic and dependable charm to that simple glass block whenever you just want a quick, zero-stress splash of hydration. It is exactly the kind of unpretentious, athletic helper that handles the heat of a busy afternoon with absolute ease, letting you step out into the day feeling instantly sharp, energized, and entirely clean.
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Top Notes
- Rosemary
- Coriander
- Lavender
- Mint
- Sea water
Heart Notes
- Jasmine
- Geranium
- Neroli
- Sandalwood
Base Notes
- Cedarwood
- Amber
- Musk
- Oakmoss
- Tobacco
Y by YSL has a masculine smell that smells quite mature and expensive. It was designed for the modern, fearless man who wants a scent that transitions from a day to an evening scent. I imagined the type of man who wear this aftershave is a mature gentleman who like to look smart and who like an aftershave to be nice smelling without it being too much like a deodorant or a body wash. A man’s man type of guy I think Y by YSL is suited to. The type of man that does not want his aftershave to smell a bit feminine.
The blueness of the aftershave itself can be seen through the lighter black colour of the bottle. The colour black gets darker the further up the bottle. The chunky, broad, heavy glass bottle give the bottle a manly feel. The large letter ‘Y’ of its name across the bottle all represent the masculine tone of this aftershave. The letter Y represents the male chromosome. The black textured bottle top appears manly. The bottle and the smell are masculine. I would say this was an evening aftershave for a quiet, reserved male. It is fresh and heavily scented and long lasting.
This masterfully calibrated aromatic-fougère elixir achieves its commanding presence by staging a bold harmony between crisp, sharp freshness and a deep, shadow-drenched base. It initializes with a highly vibrant, clean punch of crunchy green apple, spicy ginger, and citrusy bergamot that instantly cuts through the air, waking up the senses with an ultra-clean, sophisticated crispness. As this bright introductory breeze gradually softens, it uncoils an opulent heart of traditional blue juniper berries and mineral-crisp clary sage that keeps the fluid feeling safely disciplined and fiercely masculine. The true genius of the blend lies in its deeply sensual foundation of rich amberwood, smoky frankincense, and warm tonka bean. These elements combine to give the dry-down an incredibly smooth, expensive-smelling weight that anchors the skin for an exceptionally long time. Ultimately, the formula operates as a brilliant masterpiece of quiet authority, subverting standard, commercial cosmetic clichés to deliver a remarkably polished skin-scent that commands respect without ever needing to shout.
Honestly, there is something completely intoxicating about catching a subtle trace of that fresh, clean woods and dark incense trail floating off a well-tailored jacket or a crisp linen shirt. It is that rare, evocative luxury that doesn’t try too hard, yet instantly changes your posture and your mood, wrapping you in a comforting cloud of pure, unshakeable confidence the very second the mist settles.
Score
I give Y by Yves Saint Laurent 8/10. I like the smell of this aftershave it is long wearing too. I’m not completely bowled over enough though to give it a higher score. This highly polished composition delivers a remarkably dependable, upscale aromatic experience, yet it follows a relatively familiar designer blueprint that prevents it from feeling entirely groundbreaking. It orchestrates a beautifully clean, crisp opening of sharp ginger and green apple that immediately charges the skin with a vibrant, professional freshness YSL Y Eau de Parfum. As the fragrance settles, the heart reveals a smooth, mineral-rich core of clary sage and blue juniper berries that keeps the blend feeling safely disciplined, elegantly masculine, and perfectly tailored for the office YSL Y Eau de Parfum. The true strength of the juice lies in its dense, resinous foundation of amberwood and smoky frankincense, which lends the dry-down an exceptionally smooth, expensive-smelling weight that easily clings to clothing and pulse points until the end of the evening YSL Y Eau de Parfum. Ultimately, it functions as a highly competent and sophisticated workplace staple, offering a flawless cloud of confidence for a gentleman who values structural consistency over shocking or eccentric plot twists.
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Top Notes
- Bergamot
- Ginger
- Elemi
- Apple
- Aldehydes
Heart Notes
- Juniper
- Sage
- Lavender
- Geranium
Base Notes
- Tonka bean
- Cedarwood
- Vetiver
- Frankincense
- Amberwood
Review 1 Million – Paco Rabanne
This aftershave smells quite good. It is a light and mild. I expected it to be much stronger and more powerful. I can smell a mix of amber and rose with a hint of orange. The front of the bottle resembles a gold bar with 1 million to the centre. It was designed to symbolise wealth, power and luxury but I think the smell lets the bottle down somewhat due to the mildness of the scent. It is a nice smell though and the smell does not fade for many hours. This aftershave would suit most men. It smells more masculine but the rose and peppermint ingredients adds a nice very mild herby flower smell. The novelty of the bottle is a nice touch and makes it an ideal gift for someone who likes a bit of luxury.
This surprising softness is precisely what makes the fluid so wearable for daily use, quietly trading away the aggressive, room-filling spice loops often associated with clubbing scents for a smooth, close-clinging warmth. The underlying architecture masterfully weaves together a sophisticated network of warm cinnamon bark and rich leather, ensuring the gradual dry-down never thins out into a sharp or cheap-smelling chemical after-effect. It settles onto the skin with a velvety, disciplined weight, throwing out clean, amber-tinged waves that blend seamlessly with a casual sweater or a sharp suit alike. Ultimately, the formula operates as a great lesson in understated grooming, subverting its flashy, gilded packaging to deliver an unassailably smooth skin-scent that works perfectly for the modern man who wants an elegant presence without overpowering the room.
Score
I give 1 million by Paco Rabanne 8/10 for the smell that is quite long lasting on the skin. If you don’t like your aftershave too strong then this one is ideal.
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Top Notes
- Mandarin
- Pepper
Heart Notes
- Rose
- Cinnamon
Base Notes
- Amber
- Leather
Review Intimately Beckham – David Beckham
The smell was so strong I coughed when I sprayed it but it turns much milder when it has dried on the skin. I was not overtly impressed by the smell though. It’s okay but very weak and the scent didn’t last long. I could imagine the man who likes to wear this aftershave would be of latter teenage years as the smell is quite subdued so would be a good gift for a young male or, those who like a weaker aftershave. It smells like a mild amber rose smell with a hint of pepper. It smells masculine at first smell then a bit of both masculine and feminine after the third smell. I expected something a bit more powerful and longer lasting as this seems to wear off after a couple of hours.
The heavy, square base glass bottle with similar bottle top is meant to symbolise luxury. The smell does not speak of luxury unfortunately. The simple paper label in black and gold compliment the heavy luxurious, glass bottle but the aftershave in the bottle is weak in my opinion.
This fast-fading composition acts more like a temporary grooming splash than a concentrated designer powerhouse, rushing through its initial spicy warmth to leave behind only a faint, hollow echo of dry woods. It lacks the complex, resinous fixatives needed to create an enduring, expensive-smelling foundation, allowing the soft amber notes to dissolve completely before they can develop any genuine character on the skin. This rapid evaporation restricts the fluid to a very basic, introductory role, making it feel entirely unequipped to handle a full evening out or a long day at the office. Ultimately, the blend fails to deliver on the high-fashion promise of its solid packaging, relying on a thin, predictable high-street formula that prioritizes brief post-shower utility over a commanding or highly sophisticated aromatic signature.
There is a noticeable sense of disappointment when a bottle with such a heavy, satisfying weight in your hand fails to back it up with any real staying power on your wrist. It is exactly the type of casual, low-stakes spray that works fine for a quick, zero-fuss refresher after a morning workout, but it just cannot offer the magnetic depth or confidence you want when dressing up for a special occasion.
Score
Intimately Beckham by David Beckham gets 5/10. Ideally suited to the younger generation or those men who like a mild smelling aftershave. This straightforward, low-stakes fluid behaves more like a brief, post-shower cooling mist than a deep or commanding designer statement, sliding quietly into the background almost immediately after the alcohol settles. It totally avoids the complex, heavy resin loops that give luxury scents their multi-hour staying power, choosing instead a very thin, breezy pathway of soft violet leaves and clean woods that sits flatly against the skin without expanding. This rapid softening makes the juice feel perfectly safe for a teenager navigating their first real bottle, as it entirely lacks the intimidating, aggressive punch of traditional, old-school colognes. Ultimately, the blend operates as a purely functional, zero-fuss grooming helper that handles a quick casual morning refresh perfectly well, even if it falls completely short of providing a memorable evening impression. There is a bit of a let-down when a beautifully weighted, heavy glass cube looks so striking on your dressing table but doesn’t quite back it up with any real presence on your jacket cuffs or pulse points. It is the type of scent you reach for when you are just lounging around the house or running a quick weekend errand and want a clean, simple burst of freshness without using up your absolute favourite high-end bottles.
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Top Notes
- Bergamot
- Grapefruit
- Cardamon
Heart Notes
- Violet
- Nutmeg
- Anaise
Base Notes
- Amber
- Patchouli
- Sandalwood
Review Diamonds For Men – Emporio Armani
This is a very refreshing woodland smelling aftershave with feminine undertones. Like a nice body fresh and slightly perfumed body wash type of smell. It’s strong smelling but fades after a couple of hours but is not bad at all. I could imagine the type of man that wears this designer aftershave is one that is energetic and works out at the gym and uses it to freshen up quickly and wants to smell nice and clean. It smells like it can be worn day or night for a short period to time before re-applying. I don’t think the title Diamonds For Men match the scent as this makes the aftershave sound like it smells mega expensive which doesn’t equate with the smell at all. I would call it something a bit more basic like ‘Freshen Up’.
The tall bevelled glass bottle is supposed to represent a diamond with its facets but as a woman I cannot see much of a resemblance.
This breezy composition behaves much more like a high-end athletic body mist than a deeply layered, opulent evening powerhouse, bypassing complex resinous textures in favour of a clean, linear cedar and sparkling bergamot melody. It settles onto the skin with a highly transparent, crisp cleanliness that immediately recalls the refreshing sensation of a luxury shower gel rather than a heavy, formal cologne. Because it skips out on the dark, heavy fixatives like thick amber or heavy leather, the scent trail glides along a very light, unpretentious path that completely avoids giving anyone around you a headache. Ultimately, the formula operates as a wonderfully uncomplicated, functional staple for a quick casual midday boost, even if it lacks the grand, multi-dimensional presence suggested by its high-fashion naming.
I always feel a bit underwhelmed when a bottle tries so hard to look like a high-end piece of fine jewellery but the actual liquid inside feels like something you should just toss in your workout locker. It is still a thoroughly pleasant, uplifting burst of crisp mountain air to splash on when you are just running out to do the weekly grocery shop or heading out for a brisk morning walk, but it definitely will not be the bottle you reach for when you want to feel truly magnetic on a proper night out.
Score
I score Diamonds For Men by Emporio Armani 7/10. As I am basing the score on the smell alone and not the title or the bottle it does get a decent enough score. It does not smell cheap nor does it smell expensive. This highly wearable fluid hits a very safe, comfortable middle ground in masculine grooming, offering a remarkably crisp blend of fresh citrus and light woods that works perfectly without trying to push any boundaries. It keeps its breezy character anchored close to the skin, trading away the dramatic, deep spice loops of high-end evening colognes for a beautifully clean, post-shower brightness that feels totally approachable Emporio Armani Diamonds for Men. Because it avoids those heavy, overbearing chemical musk’s that often make cheaper high-street sprays smell harsh, it maintains a very polished, smooth texture that won’t overwhelm an office or a casual lunch date Emporio Armani Diamonds for Men. Ultimately, it functions as a highly reliable, zero-stress companion that handles a regular daytime routine with absolute ease, providing a solid burst of daily freshness even if it doesn’t quite deliver a grand luxury experience.
I can understand there are days when men don’t want their aftershave to make a massive, loud statement, and that is exactly when a rock-solid, balanced scent like this becomes an absolute lifesaver. It is the type of comforting, easy going bottle that I love seeing on a man’s dresser for those casual weekend mornings when he just wants to look smart, feel thoroughly clean, and step out the door without smelling like he is trying too hard.
Top Notes
- Wood
- Bergamot
Heart Notes
- Cedar
- Vetiver
- Pepper
Base Notes
- Amber
- Cacao
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