From my experience, if you’ve ever been lost on how to pick out a scent, then singling out a particular ingredient is a good place to start.
One such ingredient is patchouli, a herb from the mint family that’s native to tropical Asia and was once valued as highly as gold among early European traders.
It’s deep, woody, and sometimes even a little mysterious.
In this guide, I’m sharing the colognes that have the best take on patchouli, so you can harness this rich, earthy aroma with confidence.
So, What Is the Best Patchouli Cologne?
The best patchouli cologne is Tom Ford White Patchouli.
Despite initially being marketed towards women, it quickly became classified as a unisex scent, appealing to a wide audience with its classy blend of patchouli and floral notes.
Its versatility is largely why it stands out among other patchouli perfumes.
If White Patchouli doesn’t quite do it for you, then consider alternatives like Diptyque Tempo for its sustainable sourcing, or Maison Crivelli Patchouli Magnetik for a unique, adventure-inspired aroma.
The 5 Best Patchouli Colognes For Men in 2024 – Full Reviews
1. Tom Ford White Patchouli – Best unisex patchouli fragrance
First up, I present to you a scent that transcends gender boundaries: Tom Ford’s White Patchouli. This and all the other colognes I’m going to mention are considered by most to be unisex, so you and your lady might find yourselves fighting over the last spritz.
The moment it touches your skin, it unfolds into a symphony of aromas, blending earthy patchouli with delicate floral notes. It also has fresh jasmine in the heart which just ties together the top and base notes in a way that’s to die for.
When I smell it, it makes me think of strolling through a garden where the air has a mysterious essence.
What’s unique about this cologne is how it can be both bold and subtle – a quality that perfumers can easily get wrong. Get yourself a bottle if you’re ready to leave a trail of intrigue and sophistication in every room you step into.
| Top notes: | Bergamot, Peony, White flowers |
| Middle notes: | Rose, Jasmine, Coriander |
| Base notes: | Patchouli, Incense, Woody notes |
| Occasion: | Evening, High-end social events |
| Longevity: | 8 to 10 hours |
| Age Group: | 25-50 |
| Projection: | Moderate |
| Season: | Spring, Autumn |
| Value for Money: | 4.5 out of 5 |
2. Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar – Best for minimalistic elegance
I’m the type of guy who doesn’t always want something complex and heavily layered. Sometimes, all I want is a scent that does the simple things perfectly.
Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar is a scent that does that, it’s simple yet sophisticated, what more can one ask for?
The first spray is invigorating, making you think of nature’s unspoiled beauty. Its minimalistic approach means it doesn’t try to overwhelm you; instead, it simply serves to complement your natural scent.
Whether you’re in a boardroom meeting or at a casual brunch, this fragrance adds a much-needed element of understated elegance.
I’d say that this is the type of scent that you want to wear on a day when you want to feel grounded and in control. But, don’t just take my word for it, get a bottle of it and see for yourself.
| Top notes: | Blue grapefruit, Vetiver |
| Middle notes: | Patchouli, Cedarwood |
| Base notes: | Geranium, Clary sage |
| Occasion: | Daily wear, Office |
| Longevity: | 7 to 9 hours |
| Age Group: | 30-50 |
| Projection: | Subtle |
| Season: | Summer, Spring |
| Value for Money: | 4 out of 5 |
3. Maison Crivelli Patchouli Magnetik – Best for exotic adventures
Patchouli Magnetik keeps things interesting by redefining the traditional patchouli scent with a modern twist.
As soon as it hits your skin, the mossy, woody scent of patchouli is complimented by an amber accord. This creates a mesmerizing aroma that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Think of this cologne as a secret garden of scents, where each note is carefully picked to complement the next.
The addition of pink pepper in Patchouli Magnetik was also very clever, as it adds a spicy kick, while the vanilla brings a comforting sweetness.
Believe me, when you wear this on one of those evenings when you want to leave your mark, you will!
| Top notes: | Gardenia, Sandalwood |
| Middle notes: | Patchouli, Vanilla |
| Base notes: | Benzoin, Pink pepper, Amber |
| Occasion: | Evening events, Creative gatherings |
| Longevity: | 6 to 8 hours |
| Age Group: | 25-45 |
| Projection: | Moderate |
| Season: | Autumn, Winter |
| Value for Money: | 4.2 out of 5 |
4. Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Black Patchouli – Best for luxury
Dolce & Gabbana made a scent that’s the embodiment of luxury and depth when they created Velvet Black Patchouli. This patchouli cologne starts with a captivating blend of davana, blood orange, and papyrus, after which it unfolds into a patchouli heart.
It’s like walking through a grand, ancient library, where the air is thick with the smell of leather-bound books and the subtle sweetness of aged wood.
The blend of rich spices and floral notes, intertwined with the earthiness of patchouli, makes the scent both commanding and inviting. Wear this and see how confident and sophisticated you’ll feel.
| Top notes: | Papyrus, Davana, Blood orange |
| Middle notes: | Patchouli, Clary sage, Coriander |
| Base notes: | Vanilla, Caramel, Tonka bean |
| Occasion: | Formal events, Special occasions |
| Longevity: | 7 to 8 hours |
| Age Group: | 30-55 |
| Projection: | Strong |
| Season: | Winter, Autumn |
| Value for Money: | 4.3 out of 5 |
5. Diptyque Tempo – Best for sustainable sourcing
To finish things off, I give you Diptyque Tempo, a cologne that artfully captures the essence of patchouli.
It has a bunch of contrasts but they don’t fight each other; instead, they work together. Primarily, traditional patchouli is uplifted by the unique addition of herbal mate (an Argentinian tea), which gives it a refreshing and slightly unconventional twist.
The first spritz has got these green, slightly grassy notes. When it settles, the warmth of musk emerges to add some sophistication and depth. It also evolves quite nicely with time, revealing new components and nuances, perfect for those who like a scent that tells a story.
It’s a cologne for all seasons and it’s versatile enough for both casual and formal occasions.
Plus, Diptyque practices sustainable ingredient sourcing which can put the minds of the eco-conscious at ease.
| Top notes: | Bergamot, Violet leaves, Cocoa beans |
| Middle notes: | Patchouli, Herbal mate, Clary sage |
| Base notes: | Musk, Amber, Mossy Woody notes |
| Occasion: | Casual and formal settings |
| Longevity: | 6 to 7 hours |
| Age Group: | 25-50 |
| Projection: | Moderate |
| Season: | All year round |
| Value for Money: | 4.1 out of 5 |
Factors to Consider When Buying Patchouli Colognes
Longevity
Patchouli colognes are known for their distinct scent profile but how long do they last? Let’s find out:
- Tom Ford White Patchouli – 8 to 10 hours
- Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar – 7 to 9 hours
- Maison Crivelli Patchouli Magnetik – 6 to 8 hours
- Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Black Patchouli – 7 to 8 hours
- Diptyque Tempo – 6 to 7 hours
What occasion, or season, are you wearing it for?
Sometimes, the fragrance you pick can make or break your day. So, it’s important to take the time and occasion into consideration when selecting a cologne to wear.
If you’re always going to high-end social events then Tom Ford White Patchouli can really work its magic. It also works well for romantic evenings during spring and autumn, when the floral notes truly shine.
Jo Loves Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar would be my recommendation for daily wear in warm weather.
Maison Crivelli Patchouli Magnetik, with its bold and exotic aroma, is best worn during adventurous nights out and creative events. It also thrives during colder months like autumn and winter, giving your presence depth and warmth.
For the gents among us who need something for formal events and those really special occasions, Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Black Patchouli is a fitting choice. You’ll particularly enjoy its rich and elegant scent profile during colder months.
Then, if you’re the type of guy who doesn’t like to think too much about his cologne choices every day, you can always go for Diptyque Tempo. Unlike a lot of other patchouli perfumes, this one is versatile enough for both formal and casual occasions as a year-round fragrance.
Where to Buy Patchouli Colognes
Luckily, you won’t have to go on some Indiana Jones-esque adventure to Asia to find patchouli scents. You’d look for them the same way you would any other type of fragrance.
You just need to be aware of the brand’s availability at different sources, as some might not have official stores or be available at department stores like Macy’s, which are the two places you would usually start.
Both offer you a nice tactile experience and the opportunity to be guided by in-store staff if you’re unsure of anything.
If you don’t like leaving your house, then there’s always online shopping. It’s super convenient and offers a broader selection and enticing deals. The only problem is that online shopping requires trusted sources.
So, if the brand doesn’t have an official website or their website doesn’t ship to your location, you can always try platforms like Amazon and FragranceX, which I personally use.
How to Apply Patchouli Colognes
Putting on a patchouli cologne requires some tact so that you get the best out of that deep earthy essence.
This is how I’d do it:
- Hit the shower: Apply your patchouli scent after showering, so you’re working with a clean slate scent-wise.
- Spray on your pulse points: Your pulse points (neck and behind the ears) are generally the best place to target since they radiate heat which helps diffuse the fragrance.
- Don’t rub the cologne: Gently dab it, if need be, but avoid rubbing it in vigorously as this can break down the fragrance’s molecules.
- Apply it sparingly: Patchouli can be quite potent, so small spritzes are generally enough to last you the whole day.
- Layer cautiously: If you plan on using other scented products, make sure they don’t clash with your cologne’s profile.
- Reapply as needed: For very long days, you might need a midday touch-up, depending on the cologne’s staying power.
FAQs
Is patchouli scent attractive?
Yep, patchouli is quite an enticing scent, which is why it’s often described as intimate, sensual, and proactive. Its deep, earthy aroma also makes you think of undergrowth and forest lichens, giving it a very unique appeal.
Is a patchouli scent good for men?
Yes. Patchouli’s rich, earthy, and woody notes are exactly why so many perfumers use it in men’s fragrances. It can give scents a masculine aroma that when blended properly, gives it a sophisticated and appealing scent profile for both men’s and women’s fragrances.
Is patchouli natural or synthetic?
Patchouli is a natural scent. Patchouli oil comes from the leaves of the patchouli bush. These leaves are softened in water and then distilled to extract the essential oil which is then used in a wide array of perfumes and aromatherapy products. It’s rather unique as the oil produced from the leaves usually gets better with age.
What notes define a patchouli fragrance?
Patchouli fragrances will typically be defined by their earthiness, kind of like vetiver. They usually feature sweet herbal top notes, a rich winey heart, and a woody base. The quality of the patchouli oil also influences a fragrance’s overall scent profile which can range from mossy to sweet and spicy, thanks to the ingredient.
What occasions are patchouli scents best suited for?
These scents are incredibly versatile, so they do well on various occasions. But, their earthy tones make them very suitable for evening events or autumn and winter seasons. Personally, I’d say that patchouli also fits well in formal settings, giving the wearer’s presence a touch of sophistication and mystique.
Write a comment