5 Memorable Colognes I Bought This Year [I LOVE These]

As I mentioned in another recent article, I’ve been doing some reflecting on my fragrance journey this month. This year has been a BIG one – I’ve discovered and purchased many more fragrances to add to my collection. Several people asked me to compile a list of some of my favourite acquisitions this year. So here you go, check out my 5 Most Memorable cologne purchases over the past year!

Table of Contents

5. Parfums de Marly Layton

Layton is one of the best-selling fragrances from the brand Parfums de Marly, a niche fragrance house operating out of France. This list would have been incomplete without this one making the Top 5.

Layton is the cologne that shot the brand to stardom due to its appealing composition. A scent that’s crafted from a complex array of notes consisting of fruits, spices, citruses, woods, and florals.

Yet somehow the aroma isn’t challenging and wields the power to easily please those around you. I talk about this more in my detailed review of Layton.

It’s for those reasons that I recommend Layton to you guys looking to begin down the niche cologne path.

Another reviewer made comments that I wholeheartedly agree with:

Layton is the kind of fragrance that will always be in my arsenal. Versatility beast that can be dressed up or dressed down for any occasion.
Fragrantica.com

Get more information and buy now on Amazon >>>

4. Mercedes-Benz Club Black

Club Black is one of the most memorable and affordable designer fragrances I picked up this year.

It still amazes me that I wasn’t aware of this car brand cologne until a friend of mine sent me a sample a few months ago.

This is a sweet, cozy vanilla aroma through and through. However, it does also feature masculine and seductive elements of incense, amber, and woods. You can find my article on the scent profile of Club Black here.

This fragrance reviewer gave their assessment of Club Black:

Blind buy, great choice. If you LOVE vanilla fragrances, this is the one you absolutely need. What a nice slightly smoky/vanilla/ambry scent.
Fragrantica.com

Mercedes-Benz Club Black was such a welcome surprise that I decided to include it in my Top 5 Underrated Colognes list as well.

Get more information and buy now on Amazon >>>

3. YSL Tuxedo

The black-tie superstar YSL Tuxedo is a another memorable purchase worth mentioning.

I got my nose on a sample of this earlier in the year, and it blew me away. I knew right then and there that I had to purchase a bottle.

Tuxedo is hard to describe. Sure, it has fresh, spicy, and green elements to it. But it’s also sweet and has unique & mature characteristics as well. The bergamot, violet, coriander, pepper, vanilla, patchouli, and amber work together as one cohesive composition.

This other reviewer made some honest comments that I had to acknowledge:

Whilst very expensive, definitely the best from YSL. A very mature smelling fragrance that is sure to get only positive reactions. Great for formal wear and tuxedos (hence the name). Also better for colder weather and has mega performance.
Fragrantica.com

Have a look at my detailed review of YSL Tuxedo to learn more.

2. Dior Sauvage Elixir

A fourth Dior Sauvage release? This one must be similar to the other ones right? Wrong!

It’s almost criminal to compare Elixir to the rest of the Sauvage range. In fact, it deviates so much that it shouldn’t even be called Sauvage in the first place.

Regardless of the name, I’m glad I own a bottle. Elixir is a spicy and aromatic scent consisting of lavender, grapefruit, licorice, cinnamon, cardamom, woods, and more. It’s a deep and mature scent, giving me ‘old school yet modern’ vibes. I talk more about Sauvage Elixir here.

Have a look what this fragrance reviewer thinks:

Classy and elegant. Wear Elixir with a suit or a leather jacket. No hoodies and baseball caps. If you want to give an impression of mature masculinity, Elixir is your choice. The only negative thing is the price. Maybe the best fragrance in my collection, but I don’t use it everyday.
Fragrantica.com

1. Amouage Reflection Man

I couldn’t go past including Amouage Reflection Man to finish this list.

Reflection Man encapsulates class and versatility and is one of the few Amouage releases I really enjoy. Therefore, I couldn’t resist buying a bottle.

Reflection Man is a woody & white floral aroma, headlined by jasmine and sandalwood. It has many accompanying nuances though, including iris, cedarwood, and pepper. You can read my detailed thoughts here.

If you’re looking for a masculine floral scent that has broad appeal, this is a good place to start.

This reviewer has some kind words for Reflection Man too:

Lovely fragrance and my starting point in the world of floral fragrances for men. High class, pure quality, perfect performance for this type of a scent, great signature choice. Best in spring and early fall, dressed properly. Not cheap, but worth every penny.
Fragrantica.com

Get more information and buy now on Amazon >>>